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JEFFERSON'S 
ISLE OF MAN 

NEW GUIDE; 

FOR THE 

INFORMATION OF VISITORS 

AND 

INSTRUCTION OF TOURISTS; 

WITH 

A DIRECTORY 

or 
THE TRADESPEOPLE OF DOUGLAS. 



» . I • .» 



FIFTH EDITION— TWELFTH THOUSAND. 

Embellished with a beautiful map, several lithographic 
views, and numerous woud engravings. 



DOUGLAS. 

PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY G. JEFFERSON, DUKE STREET. 

1840. 






SS'SA 



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INTRODUCTION. 



" Mona ! I sing, the favourite of heaven ; 
That happy spot, that was of old ordained 
To be the seat of modern bliss ; where peace 
For ever dwells, and fair prosperity, 
Enthron'd, sits smiling on her golden shores." 



The rapid sale of four editions of u Jefferson'* 

Guide through the Isle of Man," consisting of 
10,000 impressions, is a convincing proof of the 
estimation in which this little work has been 
held by the public, and has stimulated the editor 
to exert his utmost endeavours to render this 
fresh edition still more worthy of their patron- 
age and support. The letter-press has been 
considerably augmented, and numerous views, 
together with a large and correct map of the 
Island, have been added, at a considerable ex- 
pense, without any increase of price. 



Half a century ago the public mind was mis- 
led by erroneous impressions respecting this 
Island ; but it has emerged from the neglect 
which undeservedly obscured it; — has risen 
into distinction ; — has become a first - rate 
watering place, and is now annually frequented 
by crowds of visitors, for whose comfort and 
accommodation every exertion has been employ- 
ed. No spot in the British dominions fe more 
covered with fertility, or more beautifully diver- 
sified with hill and dale. Possessed of all the 
comforts and luxuries and elegancies of life in 
abundance, at a very moderate price, and stock- 
ed with an intelligent and happy population, the 
Island possesses advantages which few watering 
places can equal, none can excel, 

" Avaunt then, cities, courts, where friends betray, 
Where malice wounds, and slavery drops the knee ; 

To him how hateful who can steal away, 
To freedom, love, simplicity, and thee." 

The climate is more equable in temperature than 
the opposite coasts of England, Scotland, and 
Ireland, With the exception of some trifling 
imposts, which the reader will find mentioned 
in the work, Mona is free from taxation. 

To the invalid it is an object peculiarly worthy 
of regard; the salubrity of the air, and the 



purity of the water, tend more to the restoration 
of health than the skill of the physician. Truly 
may we assert — 

41 A charming Isle it is, and ever dear, 
Rich are its views — salubrious is its air ; 
No place on earth can boast so sweet a scene, 
Such far-stretch'd hills — deep vales, and sands between : 
Its rock-built shores the tidal waters hound ; 
A lovelier spot in Europe can't be found," 

It has been the study and anxious desire of the 
editor of this little work to put the visitor in 
possession of every object worthy of his notice 
or consideration. 



CONTENTS. 



FACE. 

Agriculture .......... 46 

Armorial Ensign 59 

Banks 69 

Baths 72 

Ballasalla 112 

Ballaugh 117 

Bishops Barrow 15 

" Hildesley 20 

" Murray 22 

" Ward 24 

" Wilson 17 

Bishop's Court 115 

Calf (The) 108 

Castletown 103 

Castle Mona 107 

Charitable Institutions : 74 

Circulating Medium . . 57 

Climate 39 

Cloven Stones 124 

Commutation of Tithes. 26 

Company, Gas 64 

" Steam 65 

" Water 65 

Constitution 27 

Courts of Law 32 

Country (Interior of).. 60 

Deemsters 31 

Derbyhaven 105 

Douglas 60 

" Directory 125 

« Head 80 

" Environs of ... . 79 

Ecclesiastical Arms. ... 116 

" History .. 14 

Excursions, First .... 91 

" Second.... 100 

« Third .... 114 

Fishes 50 

Glenmoi 100 

Government, English . . 6 

Government, Scottish . . 4 



TAOS, 

Herrings 51 

History 1 

Horse & Carriage Estab. 77 

Hotels and Taverns. ... 76 

House of Keys 28 

King William's College. 16 

Kirk Andreas 119 

" Bride 118 

" Braddan 82 

" Maughold 122 

" Michael 114 

" Onchan 88 

" Patrick 99 

Laxey 123 

Libraries 70 

Live Stock 47 

Magistrates 37 

Manx Bar 38 

Market 75 

Mechanics' Institution . 69 

Mines and Minerals ... 48 

Mountains... 39 

Museum 72 

Natural Curiosities .... 44 

Nunnery 81 

Peel 92 

Pier 78 

Places of Worship .... 73 

Port Erin 107 

Port Le Mary 107 

Post Offices 70 

Printing Offices 71 

Ramble, first day 81 

" Second day.... 86 

Ramsey 120 

Rivers 43 

Snafield 123 

Ship Building 75 

Trade and Commerce . . 55 

Tynwald Mount 94 



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ISLE OF MAN NEW GUIDE. 



THE 



HISTORY. 

The position of the Island will be better understood 
by reference to a map of Great Britain, than by any 
description we can give. It is in the middle of the 
Irish sea, and nearly at an equal distance from the 
English, Scotch, and Irish coasts. It is about 30 
miles in length, and above 11 in breadth, in the 
widest part, and diminishes almost to a point at both 
extremities. Its superficies has been calculated to 
contain upwards of 130,000 square acres, more than 
two-thirds of which are under cultivation. Its ety- 
mology is a matter of mere conjecture. It has been 
called Mona, Monoeda, Monabia, Eubonia, Menaw, 
and Mannin, which latter is retained by the natives 
to the present day ; and by the English it is called 
Mann ; but its ancient name, Mona, is frequently used; 
still, from whatever its name may be derived, there is 
nothing but conjecture to guide us. 

B 



•• - 



Of the time the Island was first inhabited there is 
no recorded history, and its external affairs seem to 
have been regulated by whatever nation gained the 
ascendancy in the surrounding seas. Hence the 
changes in the executive government have been as 
numerous as the vacillations of power amongst the 
surrounding nations ; yet by means of passive obe- 
dience, the inhabitants have always preserved their 
original laws and primitive forms of government, 
without any essential alteration. 

From the number of druidical relics still existing 
in the country, it is almost certain that the inhabitants 
were of the stock of ancient Britons ; but as the his- 
tory of those periods have been written merely from 
hearsay, and not from positive information, and are 
known to contain errors and inconsistencies, we shall 
not swell out this little volume with statements which 
are only entitled to that degree of belief which tradi- 
tion and oral report generally deserve. 

Scarcely any thing certain is known of the Island 
until the tenth century, when it was taken possession 
of by Orry, a son of the King of Denmark and Nor- 
way, who, having subdued the Orcades and Hebrides, 
fixed his residence in the Isle of Mann, and enjoyed 
for many years a reign of uninterrupted tranquillity. 
From this time it is certain there were Kings of Mann. 

Guttred his son built Castle Rushen in 947, as 
appears by an inscription bearing that date on a beam 
discovered by some workmen, when repairing the 
Castle in 1816. His remains were interred in the 
Castle. 

From the death of Guttred until the year 1094, the 



Island was in a very unsettled state, and exposed to 
the attacks of neighbouring powers, when Olave, the 
next in succession, being in his minority, the inhabit- 
ants entrusted the regency to Mac Marus, a very pious 
man, of great prudence, moderation, and justice, who, 
in 1088, laid the foundation of Rushen Abbey, and 
continued for a time to preserve the peace and pro- 
mote the prosperity of the Island ; but a conspiracy 
being formed against him, internal dissensions were 
created, and he was killed in battle, and the Island 
became an easy prey to Magnus, King of Norway, 
who governed it six years, and made wars in Anglesea 
and Ireland, in which latter country he was slain, and 
all with him. 

Olave II. then assumed the purple, having the King 
of England, Henry I. for his patron. He had forty 
years of a peaceful reign, founded Rushen Abbey, 
arranged the tithes and the affairs of the church, and 
was treacherously slain near Ramsey, by Reginald, 
one of the sons of his rebellious brother Harrold, 
when a sanguinary conflict ensued, and many fell on 
both sides. This insidious act of treachery did not 
long remain unpunished, as the three sons of Harrold 
were delivered up to condign punishment, when 
Reginald was executed, and his two brothers deprived 
of their eyes. 

From this period, several attempts were made to 
usurp the government, and intestine war raged with 
great fury; the defenceless inhabitants were massa- 
cred, their houses plundered of every thing valuable, 
the churches were burnt, the southern part of the 
Island laid waste, and the shipping at anchor under 
Peel Castle, set fire to. 



In 1252, Magnus, the third son of Olave III. was 
crowned by the universal consent of the people, and 
went over to Norway, where, after two years' attend- 
ance, he was declared King of the Isles, and had his 
title confirmed to him and his successors. Notwith- 
standing which, Mary, the daughter of Reginald, 
who was a minor, set up a claim for the kingdom, 
and did homage for it to Edward I. Magnus conse- 
crated the Abbey Church of Rushen, which had been 
founded 130 years before. In 1256 he visited Eng- 
land, in order to secure the protection and assistance 
of Henry II. by whom he was hospitably entertained, 
and from whom he received the honour of knighthood. 
In 1265 he died without issue, and was buried in the 
Abbey Church in Rushen. 

In 1263 the Island was deprived of that protection 
which it had long received from Norway, and after the 
death of Magnus, Alexander, King of Scotland, hav- 
ing subdued all the out-isles, invaded Mann with a 
powerful army under Alexander of Paysley, and John 
Comyn, and after numerous battles fought with varied 
success, at length achieved the conquest of it in 1270, 
at Ronaldsway, near Derbyhaven, in which upwards 
of 500 of the flower of the Manx army, with Ivar 
their leader, were slain, and the Island was annexed 
to the Scottish dominions. 

THE SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT. 

Having completely conquered the Island, Alexander 
governed it by his Thanes, who used their power so 
tyrannically and oppressively that they provoked the 



people to rebellio-n, and they were resolved, if possible, 
to throw off the Scottish yoke. In order to prevent 
bloodshed, the Bishop of the Island interfered and 
prevailed upon them to end their differences by a 
species of single combat of thirty men selected from 
each party, and a spot was accordingly fixed upon 
for the combat ; much valour was displayed on both 
sides, and the battle terminated in favour of the Scots, 
who killed every one of their antagonists, whilst 
twenty-five of their warriors shared the same fate. 
After this the King of Scotland sent over governor* 
of greater moderation. 

During the dispute between Bruce and Baliol for the 
Scottish Crown, the Island was, for a time, again under 
the protection of Edward I. having been surrendered 
by Scottish Commissioners to that Monarch in 1289, 
who restored it the following year to John Baliol. 
On the death of Edward in 1307, Edward II. seized 
it, who granted it in one year to three favourites, Piers 
de Gaveston, Gilbert de Mac Gaskell, and Henricus de 
Bellemonte. In the sixth year of this King's reign, it 
was claimed by Simon de Monte Acuto Militi, on the 
strength of a deed of gift by "Aufrica de Connaght, 
heres terra de Mann;*' but with little success, for it 
appears that King Robert Bruce sat down before 
Rushen with a large army in 1313, and in the course 
of six months reduced it and the whole Island. 

In 1316 it was granted to Thomas Randolph Earl 
of Moray, during whose government the Island was 
over-run for a month by Richard Mandeville and a 
numerous body of Irish. 



THE ENGLISH GOVERNMENT. 

In the reign of Edward III. Sir Wm. Montacute^ 
an English Knight, who had married Mary, the 
daughter of Reginald, being; assisted by that king 
with ships and men, attacked the Scots, gained pos- 
session of the Island, and was crowned King of 
Mann in the year 1344 ; and, to the great joy of the 
natives, restored the ancient government in its right 
line. 

In prosecuting his claim to the Island, Sir Wm. 
Montacute had contracted so large a debt that he was 
obliged to mortgage it to Anthony Beck, Bishop of 
Durham, for seven years. It subsequently reverted 
to William de Montacute, Earl of Salisbury, who sold 
it in 1395 to Sir William Scrope, who became after- 
wards Earl of Wiltshire, and was beheaded by King 
Henry IV., who conferred the Island upon Henry 
Percy, Earl of Northumberland, who rebelling against 
his Sovereign, it was seized for the King's use by Sir 
Wm. and Sir John Stanley, to the latter of whom it 
was granted for one year, and subsequently to him 
and his heirs for ever, in as full and ample a manner 
as it ever had been granted, to be held of the Crown 
of England, " per homagium legem," paying to the 
king, his heirs and successors, a cast of falcons at the 
coronation. Hence John became King of Mann, 
and soon after married the heiress of Latham and 
Knowsley, and was made Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland. 
He died in 1413, and was succeeded by his son, Sir 
John Stanley. From some records which appear to 
have been kept about this time, the House of Stanley 



began their sovereignty by taking measures calculated 
to settle the laws and the executive government, and 
to grant the deserted lands under favourable copy-hold 
tenures, to tenants, so as to induce them to cultivate 
and improve them ; the country being in a deserted 
and desolate state from the civil discord, frequent 
wars, and changes of masters it had undergone since 
the downfai of the Norwegian power; at this period 
fishing, and predatory warfare, appear to have been the 
principal pursuits of the inhabitants. 

Previous to this period the laws were not a written 
letter, but dispensed by the Lord and the Deemsters, 
or Judges of the Island, and by the House of Keys 
or Parliament, then called " Taxiaxe," by a law of 
hereditary equity, denominated "Breast Law," w 7 hich 
was doubtless the Druidical form of dispensing justice. 
The Lords and Kings of the Island of the Stanley 
family, made frequent visits to the Island, but chiefly 
governed it by Lieutenants, who occupied Castle 
Rushen and Peel Castle with garrisons. From their 
accession the Island enjoyed an uninterrupted succes- 
sion of peace under the protection of England, until 
that country itself became involved in civil w r ar. The 
second Sir John Stanley died in 1443, and was suc- 
ceeded by Thomas, his son, who was created a Baron, 
and died in 1460. Thomas, his son, succeeded him, 
and was created Earl of Derby the same year, for 
having joined Henry VII. with his forces at Bos- 
w^orth Field. Thomas, the second Earl of Derby, 
resigned the regal title of Mann, and contented him- 
self with that of Lord only, he died in 1522. 

Edw T ard, his son, the third Earl, was a favourite 



with King Henry the Eighth. He was wealthy and 
munificent, but does not appear to have done anything 
calculated to confer a lasting benefit on the country. 
He died in 1572. 

Henry, his son, the fourth Earl, was a man of 
learning and genius, beyond which w T e have nothing 
to record. He died in 1594, leaving two sons, 
Ferdinand and William, who in succession became 
Lords of Mann. Ferdinand died by poison. The 
title of William was disputed, but he obtained a new 
grant from James the First. He, however, resigned 
his dignities to his son in 1637. That son was 

James, commonly called the great Earl of Derby. 
He became deeply implicated in the civil war in 
England, on the part of the Crown, in which also 
the Island in a great measure participated. During 
the whole of the Parliamentary w T ar the Island re- 
mained steadily attached to the interests of the king 5 
and was one of the last places that yielded to the 
usurped authority of Cromwell. General Ireton, on 
behalf of the Parliament, offered to the Earl the full 
re-possession of all his estates in England, upon 
condition of his surrendering the Isle of Mann ; but 
the Earl, in a most spirited reply, rejected the offer 
with indignation, and declared his determination to 
hang any future messenger who should be sent with 
similar proposals. After the relief of Latham House 
and the battle of Bolton, the Earl returned to the 
Isle of Mann, where he resided till 1651, taking care 
of the interest of his cause. In that year he again 
raised a force, and proceeded to England, where he 
was defeated at Worcester, was taken prisoner by 



9 

Colonel Edgar, and beheaded at Bolton-le- Moors, 
October W, 1651. 

After the death of the Earl, the Heroine Countess 
of Derby, who was then in Castle Rushen, defended 
the Island for the king with as much pertinacity as 
she had done Latham House. But Wm. Christian, 
Esq. deputy-governor and receiver - general at the 
castle, notwithstanding the considerable force he had 
at his command, and contrary to the express orders of 
the Countess, delivered it rip to the forces of the 
Parliament, and she was obliged to fly with her 
family and submit to great privations. For this 
cowardly and treacherous act of Christian, the end- 
less reproaches of the royalists have been heaped upon 
him. It was cowardly in him to surrender, and he 
justly merited the sentence that was subsequently 
passed upon him. 

During the Protectorate of Oliver Cromwell, the 
Parliament bestowed the Island on Lord Fairfax, who 
held it by his Governors till 1661, in which year, 
after the restoration of King Charles II, Charles Lord 
Derby, son of Lord James, was re-instated in his 
rights. The principal event of his sovereignty, was 
the trial of Christian for treason committed against his 
family, for delivering up the Island without resistance. 
He was found guilty and shot at Hango Hill in 
January, 1662. He is said to have died penitently, 
but very coolly and courageously. At the place of 
execution, the soldiers wished to bind him to the spot 
on which he stood, to which he objected, saying, 
** Trouble not yourselves nor me, for 1 that have faced 
death in whatever form it has come, will not start at 



10 

your fire and bullets;" and with the utmost composure, 
pinned to his breast a sheet of white paper, adding, 
"Hit this, and you do your own and my work." 
The following day he was buried in the chancel of 
Kirk Malew. Manxmen to this day consider him to 
have been a martyr, who was arbitrarily condemned. 
There are several Manx ballads still popular on this 
subject, in all of which " Illiam Dhone," or " Brown 
William' ' has ascribed to him all that is amiable, 
patriotic, and good. 

Soon after this period, Bishop Barrow founded 
several charitable institutions in the Island, the first 
of the kind that occur on record, excepting grants to 
the Church. Earl Charles died in 1672, and was 
succeeded by his son William, who was no courtier, 
and took little interest in his Manx domains, and 
dying without issue in 1703, he was succeeded by 
his brother James, at which time the Lordship of 
Mann was in a state rapidly approaching to destruc- 
tion, the leases, which had been granted for three 
lives, having nearly expired, and no provision having 
been made relative to the removal ; the neglect of 
Agriculture, therefore, had become so general, that 
seasons of scarcity, almost approaching to famine, 
had occurred ; the people being wholly given to 
fishing, or engaged in a contraband trade. The 
learned and pious Bishop Wilson, who had been 
promoted to the See in the year 1696, pointed out 
the injurious system that had been pursued, and then 
prevailed, and his strenuous efforts being seconded 
by a firm and powerful remonstrance from the Manx 
Legislature, it produced conviction in the mind of 



11 

His Lordship, who granted in 1703, that act of 
Settlement which is very properly called the Manx 
Magna Charta, and which may be very justly con- 
sidered one of the most important occurrences in 
the Civil History of the Island, as by it the Lessees 
of estates were finally established in possession of 
them, and their descent assigned in perpetuity on 
the payment of certain fines, rents, and duties to 
the Lords. For, before this act, although they had 
been in possession of their lands from time imme- 
morial, they were considered little better than tenants 
at will, holding under a species of vassalage, there 
being no statutes declaratory of the settled mode of 
descent. Of the two prelates mentioned above, a 
short, but faint sketch of their pious lives, and the 
benefits they conferred upon the Island, will be 
found in our account of the Ecclesiastical History. 
Earl William died childless in 1736, when the 
Lordship of Mann devolved, by the female line, on 
James Murray, first Duke of Athol, in right of his 
mother, Amelia Sophia, daughter of James, the 
great Earl of Derby, in whose line it continued until 
sold to the British Crown. 

Soon after his accession, the Duke visited his new 
sovereignty, attended by a numerous suite of gentle- 
men, and he and his successors exerted themselves in 
enacting new law T s, to keep pace with the growing 
improvements and increased wants of the people. 

Though the Island had been so long under the 
'protection of the Kings of England as Lords Para- 
mount, they had never interfered with the administra- 
tion of its internal government. The sovereign rights 



12 

of the Kings and Lords of Mann had been exercised 
in their own little country, without control; they 
levied customs, coined money, raised soldiers, regu- 
lated the executive, and were entitled to all the 
ensigns of royalty, as if they had been entirely inde- 
pendent. In consequence of these privileges of an 
independent state, the Island had become an exten- 
sive depot for foreign goods, which, at convenient 
seasons, were smuggled into England, to the great 
detriment of the revenue of Great Britain. In order 
to put an end to that contraband trade, an act of par- 
liament was passed in 1726, authorising the Duke to 
sell the royalties and revenues of the Island, but the 
offers made by the government were always evaded 
by the Duke. 

On the decease of the Duke, without male issue, 
bis only daughter Charlotte, Baroness Strange, who 
was married to her cousin James, the heir to the 
Dukedom of Athol, conveyed the Lordship to him, 
when proposals from government were renewed, and 
in the year 1765, the sovereignty of the Island, toge- 
ther with all civil patronage, and the two fortresses of 
Peel and Rushen, were disposed of for £70,000, 
which was paid, and the sale ratified by an act of 
parliament. This deed of the Duke caused much 
alarm, and occasioned prognostications of ruin amongst 
all classes on the Island. 

The Duke reserved his title of Lord of Mann, all 
his manorial rights, the patronage of the bishopric, 
and the parochial livings, and also all mines, minerals, 
and other privileges which were considered as not 
interfering with the object government had in view, 



13 

namely, putting a check to the contraband trade. — 
Commissioners were sent over to examine and report 
upon the actual state of the Island, and enactments 
were passed to regulate its trade and revenue. 

After this act, which has been called the Act of 
Revestment, the Island became more closely allied to 
the parent country, and notwithstanding the alarm and 
dissatisfaction which the sale occasioned amongst the 
Manx people, the prosperity of the country has pro- 
gressively advanced; the form of government has ex- 
perienced no material change, and the legislature has 
gone on, uninterruptedly, in providing enactments to 
protect the peace, and improve the laws and institu- 
tions of the Island. 

In consequence of the British government claiming 
more than the Duke intended by the treaty to grant, 
a misunderstanding arose, when a further sum of 
£2000 per annum was settled upon him during his 
life, and that of the Duchess. 

On the ground of inadequate compensation, their 
son John presented petitions to parliament for a fur- 
ther grant, and obtained, after repeated refusals, one- 
fourth of the net revenue of the Island, and was ap- 
pointed Governor- General in 1798, at which time he 
was a member of his Majesty's Privy Council, and 
possessed considerable interest at court. In endea- 
vouring to arrange the dilapidated interests of his 
family in the Island, his Grace experienced consider- 
able opposition from the natives, who strenuously and 
effectually resisted his measures upon several occa- 
sions, as calculated to interfere with their interests ; 
and he became exceedingly unpopular. 



14 

In 1825, an act was passed authorising the Lords 
*>f the Treasury to treat with the Duke for the pur- 
chase q£ his remaining interests in the royalty and 
revenue of the Island, and, after several years of nego- 
ciation, the valuation was left to arbitrators appointed 
by both parties, who in the year 1829 awarded to him 
the sum of ^6430,000, and her most gracious Majesty 
is now the sole guardian of our ancient laws and con- 
stitution ; and this once little barren spot has, through 
the regard its rulers have had to law and justice, and 
through the people's observance of true religion and 
primitive integrity, become a fertile and flourishing 
Island, with the most cheering prospects of a still 
more rapid increase of prosperity ; so that we may 
hope that that happy state of things which has com- 
bined to promote the welfare of the inhabitants in so 
marked a manner, may be continued, not only un- 
touched, but doubly and trebly secured to us. After 
having been Governor of this Island 56 years, the 
Duke died at Dunkeld in 1830, in the 76th year of 
his age. 

We shall now proceed to give a general outline of its 

ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY, 

Of which little is known until after the Norwegian 
conquest, except that it was supplied by a succession 
of Bishops, as the ancient records were taken to Nor- 
way, where, it is said^ they were destroyed by fire : 
our present records commence in the beginning of the 
15th Century, All ecclesiastical writers, however, of 
any credit, and the most ancient and authentic tradi- 



15 

tfbns, agree that St. Patrick was the first who planted 
the Christian religion in the Island, from whose time 
there has been a succession of Bishops ; yet as it was 
not certainly known who they were, or in what order 
they sate, we shall pass them over, and notice those 
only whose actions have rendered them worthy of 
record. The first of these is 

Dr. Isaac Barrow, who was appointed to the See 
in 1663. He was an eminently pious man, and the 
first and greatest benefactor of the clergy of his See, 
who at that period were exceedingly poor. He used 
his interest so effectually with his Majesty King 
Charles the Second, that he obtained a grant of £100 
per annum, payable out of the excise for ever, for the 
better maintenance of the poor vicars and school- 
masters of his diocese. He also raised a subscription 
amongst the English nobility and gentry, which 
enabled him to purchase the impropriate tithes of the 
Island from Charles Earl of Derby, and added two 
estates of his own, which he placed under the man- 
agement of trustees, who have been enabled with 
assistance to erect a College near Castletown, which 
was founded in 1830 by the Hon. Cornelius Smelt, 
then Lieutenant-Governor, the Bishop of the diocese, 
and the other trustees, and which his late gracious 
Majesty King William IV. was pleased to permit to 
bear his name. It is an elegant and very fine builds 
ing, and forms a spacious cruciform structure, 210 feet 
in length from east to west, and 135 feet from north 
to south ; from the intersection rises an embattled 
tower, 115 feet high, strengthened with buttresses, 
surmounted by an octagonal lantern turret, intended 



16 

for an observatory, having in each of its faces an 
elegant lofty window, and crowned with a parapet. 
There is also a public lecture room, a large hall for 
a library, four large class rooms, and houses for the 
masters, containing numerous apartments for the ac- 
commodation of pupils, and every requisite arrange- 
ment for the purposes of the institution. The Principal 
and other masters must be members of the Church of 
England, and graduates of the Universities. The 
masters are allowed to receive pupils as boarders. 
The College was opened in 1833. The pupils are 
numerous. His Excellency the Governor, the Lord 
Bishop, and the i\ttorney- General have each founded 
prizes, to be contended for at midsummer. A chapel 
is annexed to the College, and two full services are 
performed in it every Sunday. The public are ad- 
mitted, and enjoy ample accommodation of free seats. 
Thus the pious intentions of the worthy prelate have 
heen fulfilled, after an interval of nearly two centuries. 
The name and good deeds, therefore, of that excel- 
lent prelate, will be remembered with gratitude, so 
long as any sense of piety remains. Dr. Barrow held 
the bishopric for only a few years, and was promoted 
to the see of St. Asaph. 

During Bishop Barrow's time, the people called 
Quakers, though very few in number on the Island, 
suffered some severe measure in common with the 
sectarian non-conformists throughout the empire. — 
They have never since attempted to form a society in 
the Island, and the only memorial extant of their 
having existed as a distinct body, is their burial-place 
in the parish of Maughold, called the " Rolick ny 
Quakeryn." 



17 

Bishop Barrow was succeeded by Dr. Henry 
Bridgeman, who was succeeded by Dr. John Lake ; 
after him followed Dr. Baptist Livinz, who died in 
1693, and the see remained vacant five years, when, 

In 1698, that great prelate, that learned doctor, and 
holy confessor, Bishop Wilson, whose "praise is in 
all the churches," was consecrated. Whether we 
consider him in his study, in his family, in the cot- 
tage of the poor, in his pulpit, in his high episcopal 
ministrations, in the synod of his diocese, in the court 
of England, or in prison, he was, in all, the same 
admirable man. On his arrival, he beheld a people 
depressed by poverty and neglect, and with whose 
language he was unacquainted ; his residence at 
Bishop's Court was in ruin, the churches throughout 
his diocese were in a dilapidated state, and the prin- 
ciples of the inhabitants greatly debased by illicit 
traffic. Although the revenue of the bishopric did 
not exceed £300, by frugality arid economy he ac- 
complished much ; he rebuilt his house at Kirk 
Michael, and repaired the churches. In summing 
up the character of this truly great man, said one of 
his biographers, " every part of his life affords a 
display of the most genuine charity and benevolence. 
Whether we consider him as a son, a husband, a 
parent, a master, or a Bishop, we shall find few 
equal — no one superior to him. Hs had studied, an4 
he practised physic with success. For some t\w& 
after he settled, he Was the only physician on ifi® 
Island; keeping a shop of drugs for general m&# 
which h& distributed, as well as his advice, gralk; 
foul wkefr somef gentlemen of the iaeukj @mm &&- 



18 

settle on the Island, he gave up to them that part of 
his practice which could alone conduce to their emo- 
lument — attendance on the rich — the poor he kept 
always to himself. He was so charitable, that it was 
not unaptly observed by a gentleman who knew him 
well, that i he kept beggars from every body's door 
but his own/ He was the divine, the scholar, and 
the gentleman. He was so fond of his flock, and so 
attached to his diocese, that no temptation could 
seduce him from their service, no bribe could remove 
him. Fie had been frequently offered an English 
Bishoprick, but he always declared that he w T ould 
not leave his wife in his old age, because she was 
poor." Some instances of his zeal involved him in 
difficulties, which, though well meant, perhaps, ex- 
ceeded the proper limits; a copy of the "Independent 
Whig," a publication which he considered subversive 
of the discipline of the established church, having 
been sent as a present to the public Library of the 
Island, the Bishop ordered it to be seized, for which 
the Governor committed the man to prison, who 
was not liberated until an unpleasant altercation 
had taken place. 

Soon after this a more serious difference between 
the civil and ecclesiastical head was the result of the 
Bishop's excluding from the communion of the 
Church the wife of the Governor, on account of an 
act of defamation, for which she refused to ask pardon 
of the injured party. The Governor's Chaplain hav- 
ing, by his own authority, admitted her to the com- 
munion, the Bishop suspended him for disobedience ; 
upon which the Governor, conceiving he had acted 



19 

illegally, laid a fine upon him and his two Vicars 
General. On their refusal of payment, they were 
committed close prisoners to Castle Rushen, where 
they lay nine weeks, till the Bishop, by petition to 
the Council in England, obtained the release of him- 
self and his companions ; and the Council afterwards 
reversed all proceedings. So much was the Bishop 
beloved in the Island, that his arrest was likely to 
have occasioned a serious tumult, had he not pacified 
the people by an address from the Castle wall, and 
he afterwards declined prosecuting the Governor, for 
damages. 

By living a righteous and godly life, this excellent 
divine attained the 93d year of his age and the 58th of 
his consecration, and expired on the 7th March, 1755, 
dying as he lived, praising God in Psalms, and 
detached sentences of the Te Deum, and was interred 
at the east end of Kirk Michael churchyard; over 
his grave is placed a small marble monument, sur- 
rounded with iron rails, through which may be read 
the following too modest inscription : 

SLEPING IN JESUS, 
HERE LYETH THE BODY OF 

THOMAS WILSON, D . D . 

LORD BISHOP OF THIS ISLE, 

Who died March the 7th, 1755, aged 93, and in the Fifty- 
eighth Year of his Consecration. 
THIS MONUMENT WAS ERECTED 
BY HIS SON, THOMAS WILSON, D. D. 

A NATIVE OF THIS PARISH, 

Who, in Obedience to the express Commands of his Father, 
declines giving him the Character he so justly deserved* 

LET THIS ISLAND SPEAK THE REST. 



20 

" And so it will ¥■ says the before-quoted biographer. 
" When turning to the stranger, or their children, the 
grateful Manksman will relate a tale of the wondrous 
goodness of their dear, their much-beloved, much- 
lamented Bishop. Telling them, (and witnesses they 
were) whose hunger he had satisfied ; to whose thirst 
he had given drink ; what strangers he had relieved ; 
whose nakedness he hud clothed ; whose sickness he 
had administered to ; and what prisoners he had 
visited. The widow, comforted by his bounty, with 
her lisping orphans, shall declare the praises of their 
pious benefactor. And perhaps some faithful minister 
of the Gospel may conclude the story, by saying that 
he was a Bishop 6 blameless as the steward of God ; 
not self-willed, not soon angry, not given to wine, no 
striker, not given to filthy lucre; but a lover of hos- 
pitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, tem- 
perate; holding fast the faithful word as he had been 
taught; and that he was able by sound doctrine, both 
to exhort and to convince the gain-sayers.' " 

Bishop Wilson was succeeded by Dr. Mark Hil- 
desley, Vicar of Hitchin, in Hertfortshire, and when 
he came to the See he found that Church which, fifty 
years before, the then Governor of the Island had 
described as " fast falling into ruins," rebuilt and 
beautified, her breaches healed, and her discipline 
reformed ; so that nothing was left for him but to 
preserve and strengthen those things which he found. 
He made it the great and invariable rule of his con- 
duct to tread as nearly as possible in the steps of his 
excellent predecessor. On his coming to the diocese 
fee undertook the arduous task of getting the Scrip- 



21 

lures translated and printed in the Manx language ; 
a work which had heen begun by Bishop Wilson, 
and which he completed by distributing it among 
twenty-four of his clergy skilled in the Manx lan- 
guage ; with the assistance of the Society for Pro- 
moting Christian Knowledge, and many persons of 
eminence and distinction. At first he only printed 
the New Testament, the Common Prayer, the 
Christian Monitor, Lewis's Catechism, and Bishop 
Wilson's Form of Prayer for the Herring Fishery ; 
but the benefactions coming in beyond his expect- 
ations, he was encouraged to set on foot a translation 
of the Old Testament entire, which, with the assist- 
ance of his clergy, he also happily accomplished. 
The clergy of the Island were particularly active in 
this good work, apportioning out their several parts, 
which they finished with zeal and judgment. 

Bishop Hildesley had this work so much at heart, 
that he often said, " He only wished to live to see it 
finished, and then he should be happy, die when he 
would." He recieved the last part of the Bible 
on Saturday, the 28th of November, 1772, and 
emphatically sung his Nunc Dimiitis in the presence 
of his family; and next day, in the evening, •after 
family prayers^, he preached a lecture on the uncer- 
tainty of human life, how many instances were 
constantly happening in which people were deprived 
of their senses in a moment : Thus, in a prophetic 
manner, foretelling his own death ; for on Monday, 
after dining cheerfully at Bishop's-Court with his 
family and one of his clergy, he was seized with a 
stroke of the palsy, which in a moment deprived him. 



22 

of his senses, and in this situation he remained til! 
the Monday following, when he died. 

According to his own desire he was buried as 
near his predecessor as could be, wishing to be 
united in death with that man, whose example he 
had endeavoured to imitate while living. 

To him succeeded Bishops Richmond and Mason, 
the latter of whom, aided and assisted by voluntary 
subscriptions, erected St. George's Chapel in this 
town; he died in 1784, and was followed by Dr. 
C. Crigan, who filled the See for thirty years, during 
which time considerable strife existed between the 
House of Athol and the inhabitants, in consequence 
of the former frequently insisting upon some fresh 
impost which the people would not submit to. In 
these contentions Dr. Crigan took no part ; he died 
in 1813, when the Duke of Athol conferred the 
Bishoprick on his nephew, the Hon. Dr. George 
Murray; who became extremely unpopular in con- 
sequence of his endeavouring to collect the tithe 
on potatoes, and all the green crops on the Island. 
In resorting to this apparently harsh measure, in 
which he was legally justified, his lordship was 
charged with a desire to deprive the lower class of 
their principal staff of life 5 from selfish and interested 
motives, and much confusion and dissatisfaction, was 
thereby created. The Bishop, however, was stimulated 
by the best and purest feelings of the human mind j 
he saw that the incomes of the clergy, at that time 
did not equal the wages he was paying to his upper 
domestics, and that they were totally inadequate to 
the support and maintenance of their families ; he 



23 

felt, therefore, an anxious desire to render them more 
comfortable, and to place them in an independent 
station in society ; and his conduct and actions during 
the whole period of his episcopacy, clearly demon- 
strated that he was not actuated by mercenary motives. 
The passions of the people, however, were inflamed, 
and by a portion of the insular press they were incited 
to such a degree, that tumults and threats prevailed 
throughout the Island, and the assemblages of 
the people were so numerous and powerful, that the 
regular troops in the Island were unable to control 
them, and the disturbances and conflagrations which 
ensued, induced the Bishop to relinquish his claim. 
The British government, in order to pacify the 
Island, which had become much disturbed in con- 
sequence of this attempt, translated him to the 
See of Rochester. 

Although he rendered himself unpopular by press- 
ing too severely upon the poor for tithe, it is but 
justice to say the Church of Mann is much indebted 
to him, inasmuch as he purified the Ministry of 
several priests whose lives had been a scandal to their 
holy order, and to the Church in which they served ; 
this he did, by suspending some, and degrading others. 
He was a high churchman in every sense of the word, 
but exercised none of its authority against dissent. — 
On his translation to Rochester 

Dr. William Ward succeeded to the See. This 
was the first appointment by the Crown since the 
whole of the rights of the Island had been annexed 
to the British empire. This Divine did much during 
the nine years of bis Episcopate, to benefit his 



24 

diocese. He distinguished himself by the exertions 
which he made for the maintenance and elevation of 
his church, by endeavouring to remedy the defects in 
the incomes and education of the clergy, whom he 
w r as anxious to place on a footing of competence 
and comfort; and in the number and state of the 
churches which were in a most ruinous and dilapidated 
condition. He had recourse to English charity, and 
succeeded in raising funds sufficient for the building 
and re-building ten new churches and chapels, and 
obtained from Earl de Gray, a floating Chapel, which 
is regularly filled with mariners, who would enjoy 
no other means of attending divine service. 

When in 1837 the British Parliament suppressed 
the See, and annexed it to that of Carlisle, Bishop 
Ward used his utmost endeavours to get the Bishoprick 
restored. By his strong remonstrances to the govern- 
ment, — by the memorials of the clergy, — by the 
petitions of the inhabitants, — and by the exertions of 
the friends of the church throughout the empire, that 
part of the act which related to the Isle of Mann, was 
repealed, and the See was preserved. In a memorial 
to the commissioners, his lordship concluded with 
this strong, forcible, and energetic appeal : — " I will 
never cease to repeat the warning with the greater 
earnestness, as the approach of my death hastens the 
accomplishment of this measure. To avert this 
threatened calamity from my church, I am prepared 
to make any sacrifice ; for I believe most solemnly, 
that in a very few years after the removal of the 
Bishop, tha name only of a church will be left to 
her ; and her empty walls will stand as sad memorials 



25 

of an arrangement, needless and uncalled-for in itself, 
burdensome to Carlisle, and destructive to her own 
test interests/' 

The appeal of the clergy of the Island for the pre- 
servation of the See was equally forcible and ener- 
getic. "A diocese,'* they say, " which filled the 
hands of an apostolic Wilson, cannot reasonably be 
deemed too small, especially when its population is 
more than doubled since his day ; the duties of that 
diocese could not with propriety and adequacy be dis- 
charged by the Archdeacon ; and as to enriching its 
parochial Clergy by the spoils of their Bishoprick, 
your Petitioners dislike the principle, and dread the 
example; they affect not indeed to conceal that the 
vicars of the diocese are in straitened, in very strait- 
ened, in lamentably straitened circumstances, from 
which they humbly solicit, and would gratefully ac- 
cept, honourable relief; but they disclaim a wish to 
procure temporal advantage at the expense of spirit- 
ual loss."* 

Bishop Ward died in 1838, when Dr. James Bow- 
stead succeeded him, and held the See but a very 
short period, being translated to that of Lichfield, 
when it was conferred upon our present Bishop, 

* A very interesting little work, detailing the whole of 
the Bishop's proceeding", and containing copies of all the 
memorials, petitions, and protests from the clergy and laity, 
to avert the threatened calamity, collected with much care 
and industry, has been published by the Rev. Wm. Perceval 
Ward, M.A. the late Bishop's son. It contains much 
valnable information, and may be obtained at the publisher's 
of this guide. 
D 



26 

whose first act was nobly and generously to relinquish 
the surplus revenue of the See in favour of the poor 
clergy. Dr. Pepys took possession of the Bishoprick 
in April, 1840. 

In 1839 an act was passed by the Insular Legis- 
lature, to commute the tithes of the Island for 
£5050, which is thus apportioned amongst the clergy : 

To the Lord Bishop of Sodor and Mann . . . . £1515 

To the Vicar of the Parish of Patrick 141 8 

To the Vicar of the Parish of German 141 8 

To the Vicar of the Parish of Marown 141 8 

To the Vicar of the Parish of Michael 141 8 

To the Rector of the Parish of Ballaugh . . . . 303 

To the Vicar of the Parish of Jurby 141 8 

To the Rector of the Parish of Andreas 707 

To the Chaplain of a Chapel of Ease in the said 

Parish of Andreas 101 

To the Rector of the Parish of Bride 303 

To the Vicar of the Parish of Lezayre 141 8 

To the Vicar of the Parish of Maughold 141 8 

To the Vicar of the Parish of Lonan 141 8 

To the Vicar of the Parish of Conchan 141 8 

To the Vicar of the Parish of Braddan 141 8 

To the Vicar of the Parish of Santon 141 8 

To the Vicar of the Parish of Malew 141 8 

To the Vicar of the Parish of Arbory 141 8 

To the Vicar of the Parish of Rushed 141 8 

To the Trustees nominated in conveyance of the 
Impropriate Tithes of Michael, made by 
Dr. Thomas Wilson, for the benefit of 

clergymen's widows 141 8 

These sums are independent of the lands attached 
to the See, the yearly rental of which is about £500, 
and the glebes belonging to the vicarages. 



27 

In the Island there are twelve chapels of Ease 9 
besides the seventeen parish churches and the Mariners' 
chapel, and the services of the church are not more 
solemnly performed, or so strictly in conformity with 
the rubric, in any diocese in England. In most 
country churches the service is performed alternately, 
in Manx and English, and it is truly gratifying to 
witness the devotion that is paid, and the respect 
which is shewn to the clergyman and every part 
of his family. 

Dissenting chapels are scattered over the Island in 
every direction, and they are generally well frequented. 
In no part of the world is religious toleration better 
established ; — no licence is required either for the 
preacher, or the place in which he ministers, and 
liberty of conscience is enjoyed by all ; and the best 
understanding prevails amongst the inhabitants what- 
ever their religious creeds and tenets may be. 

CONSTITUTION AND GOVERNMENT. 

When the Island was an independent feudal sove- 
reignty, under the Earls of Derby and Dukes of 
Athol, the government was administered by their 
officers, sent over expressly for that purpose, who 
acted according to the directions of the Lord for the 
time being. Since 1829, when it became the pro- 
perty of the Crown, there has been no Govemor-in- 
Chief. The present Lieutenant-Governor, Colonel 
John Ready, is the representative of her Majesty 9 
and is vested with the same power as was held by 
any former Governor-in-chief, He is Captain-Ge- 



28 

neral of what military there may be upon the Island ; 
is judge in the Courts of Chancery and Exchequer, 
and president of the Courts of Common Law. The 
Council advise and assist him in legislation, and the 
administration of justice ; they consist of the 

Lord Rishop of the Diocese Rt. Rev. H. Pepys, D.D. 

Attorney-General James Clark, Esq. 

Northern Deemster John Christian, Esq. 

Southern Deemster John J. Heywood, Esq. 

Receiver-General & Water Bailiff, George Quirk, Esq. 

Clerk of the Rolls John M'Hutchin, Esq. 

Archdeacon Rev. Cecil Hall. 

Vicars General I T ' A ' Corlett ' Es ^ 

Vicars-uenerat . . -j. Rey p B Hartwelh 

These constitute the upper branch of the legislature. 

THE HOUSE OF KEYS 

constitute the lower branch of the Legislature, and 
consist of twenty-four of the most respectable gentle- 
men in the Island, one of whom is chosen Speaker 
or President. They join the Council in making all 
new laws, and in settling and determining the meaning 
of all the difficult ancient ones. It is supposed they 
were first called Keys, from their unlocking, or solv- 
ing the difficulties of the law. They were originally 
called " Taociaxi." The body is certainly self-elect- 
ed, a veto however being possessed by the Governor. 
On a vacancy occurring by death or resignation, two 
gentlemen are nominated by the remaining twenty- 
three, of whom the Governor selects one. This body 
have always possessed the confidence of a majority of 
the people, and, though self-elected, which has been 
the mode pursued since the year 1430, seem never to, 



29 

have abused their power. If any " discontent" were 
manifested by the majority of the people, or if the 
Governor considered it necessary for the 'real interest* 
of the Island, there can be no doubt that the Tynwald 
Court could, with her Majesty's consent, call another 
assembly, as was done many centuries ago ; but there 
is no necessity for disturbing the present legislative 
body. No ' discontent' of any magnitude has been 
observed amongst the people. It would be strange 
indeed, if in these revolutionary times a few Radicals 
should not obtrude themselves into our peaceful com- 
munity, and disseminate their pernicious principles, 
but they are few and powerless. Some petitions, 
privately and clandestinely procured, have been pre- 
sented to the Governor, and we believe forwarded to 
the Home Secretary, but they were too insignificant 
to carry weight, as it is the opinion of the most en- 
lightened inhabitants of the Island that the Constitu- 
tion is particularly good, and more likely to be injured 
than improved by change. The excellence of our 
laws, and the impartiality of their administration make 
the poorest man feel that his interests are fully repre- 
sented and carefully guarded. As no people are more 
blessed, so none are more happy and content, than 
the Manx under their venerable laws, and simple 
primitive constitution. Universal suffrage — vote by 
ballot — annual, triennial, or septennial parliaments, 
are terms scarcely ever heard amongst us ; and Heaven 
defend us from ever knowing them. Our flourishing 
and orderly state was well and truly described by a 
traveller on the Continent, a few years since;— 
" I have lately been visiting/* said he, u the Isle of 



30 

Mann, and I found there what I did not believe ex- 
isted — a legislature governing wholly and solely for 
the public good, a people desiring nothing less than 
to send members to parliament, and a Bishop happy 
in his freedom from the House of Lords." 

The services of the Keys are entirely gratuitous ; 
the office is attended with much trouble, loss of time, 
and heavy expense, unaccompanied with either power, 
patronage, or emolument. An appeal from their de- 
cision must be to the Queen in Council. The mem- 
bers at the present time are 

General Goldie Nunnery. 

John Moore The Hills: 

John C. Crellin Castletown ■ 

Caesar Tobin Middle. 

William Farrant Ballamoar. 

John Teare Glentrammon . 

John Goldie Taubraan London. 

Edward Moore Gawne Kentraugh. 

William Watson Christian Douglas. 

John Kneale Regaby. 

Thomas Moore Crescent Cottage. 

•Thomas Carran P«el. 

Edward Forbes Thornton. 

Colonel Murray Mount Murray. 

John Kelly Castletown. 

William Hinds Crowville. 

John Quayle Castletown. 

J. Anderson Cooley Lodge. 

William Christian Claughbane. 

Philip Garrett Douglas. 

William Kinley . Peel. 

John Bridson Ballavarvane. 

Francis Matthews Douglas. 

George William Dumbell Belmont. 



31 

The civil magistrates next in authority, are 

THE DEEMSTERS, 

or judges of the land ; these have generally been two, 
and divide the Island into two districts, one taking 
the southern, the other the northern part. They are 
stiled in the ancient court rolls " Justiciarii Domini 
Regis." They are appointed by the Crown at a 
salary of £800 each, per annum. Their courts are 
held alternately, at Douglas and Castletown, by the 
southern, and at Ramsey and Peel, or Kirk Michael, 
by the northern Deemster. To them every depart- 
ment of the Legislature and Government look for 
advice in all difficult parts of law. They take 
cognizance in a summary manner of all breaches of 
the peace, and can hold courts insianter on all 
criminal informations. Appeals from their decision 
can be made to the Governor in Council, styled the 
Staff of Government. The present Deemsters are, 

John Christian, Esq Northern District. 

John Joseph Hey wood, Esq.. Southern District. 

THE COURTS. 

The principal Courts are Tynwald — Chancery — 
Exchequer — Common Law — General Gaol Delivery 
— Admiralty — Deemsters — High Bailiffs — and the 
Ecclesiastical, viz. Consistory and Vicars- General. 

THE CHANCERY COURT. 

The Governor, as Representative of her Majesty 
presides in this Court, which, in matters of civil 
property, has the most extensive jurisdiction of all 



32 

the Courts in this Island, and is both a Court of law 
and of equity. He is assisted by the Deemsters, the 
Attorney- General, the Clerk of the Rolls, and the 
Admiralty judge. The Court is held at Castletown, 
the first Thursday in every Month. Its powers are 
similar to the English Court of Chancery, the pro* 
ceedings being conducted without the intervention 
of a jury. On the equity side the proceedings are 
carried on by bill and answer, as in the English 
Court. 

THE EXCHEQUER COURT. 

Here also the Governor presides, and determines 
all matters connected with the revenue, and right to 
tithes. Proceedings are here carried on for the re- 
covery of all penalties, or for forfeitures due to the 
Crown, incurred by frauds upon the Customs. An 
appeal from this Court, as also the Court of Chancery, 
lies to her Majesty in Council. 

THE COMMON LAW COURT 

is held at Castletown four times a-year. It takes 
cognizance of all actions that require to be determined 
by a jury, composed of respectable individuals from 
the different sheadings, from whose verdict an appeal 
lies to the House of Keys, who possess the power of 
affirming, reversing, or altering a verdict at Common 
Law ; subject to appeal to her Majesty in Council. 

THE GENERAL GAOL DELIVERY COURT 

consists of the Governor and his Council, and is held 
twice a-year for the trial of prisoners charged wit!* 



33 

felonies, or other offences against the laws. Formerly 
the Keys used to form a part of this Court, but their 
right having been questioned, some time since, 
by the then Governor-in-Chief, — the late Duke of 
Athol, — the Keys failed in establishing their claim, 
and it has since been abrogated, and the Keys no 
longer form a component part of the court. Formerly 
it was held in the open air, and after the proceedings 
were gone through, and the jury were about to return 
their verdict, one of the Deemsters demanded of the 
foreman, in the Manx language " Vod fir charree 
soie?" in- English: — "may he who ministers at the 
altar continue to sit?" or "whether such of the 
Council as are Ecclesiastics could remain in Court or 
not?" and if the foreman of the jury gave for answer, 
they could not, then the clergy withdrew : the reason 
being, that such a reply was the forerunner of a ver- 
dict implying a sentence of death — the form is still 
observed. No sentence in this Court, in case of 
treason, murder, or other capital offence, is ever 
carried into effect until the Royal assent be obtained. 

THE HIGH BAILIFFS' COURTS 

are held every Saturday, in the towns of Douglas, 
Castletown, Ramsey, and Peel, for the recovery of 
debts under 40s. Manx. The proceedings are similar 
to the Courts of Request in England. A High- Bailiff 
is appointed by the Governor, and holds his office 
during his Excellency's pleasure. He is conservator of 
the peace, and superintendent of police in his district* 
They are 

John Kelly. . . . Castletown. James Quirk Douglas, 

Richard Harrison. ... Peel. Frederick Tellett.. Ramsev* 



34 

THE ADMIRALTY COURT. 

The Water Bailiff, or High Admiral, is sole judge 
in this court, which is held every Saturday, at Castle- 
town. It takes cognizance of all matters connected 
with maritime affairs, and of ail offences committed 
against the laws within three miles of the Manx shore. 
The herring fishery, and the boats employed in it, 
are under his charge, and he is empowered to redress 
wrongs, and enforce the regulations of the fishery. 
He has also civil jurisdiction in questions of salvage. 
From his judgment, an appeal lies to the staff of 
government, and thence to her Majesty in Council. 
The office is held by 
George Quirk, Esq. , Castletown . 

THE ECCLESIASTICAL COURTS 

are the Consistorial Court, in which the Bishop presides, 
or one or both of his Vicars-general, and Episcopal 
Registrar. It takes cognizance of all matters relating 
to wills, administrations, minors, alimony, &c. The 
Vicar's-general Court takes cognizance of all offences 
against good morals and religion, and the interests of 
the Church. The Chapter or Circuit Courts are held 
by the Bishop or Archdeacon, for regulating all mat- 
ters connected with the See, the internal arrangements 
of the various churches, and the general affairs of the 
Diocese. 

THE SENESCHAL'S OFFICE. 

The Seneschal of the Lord of the Isle has his office 
in Douglas, which is an office of record, or deposit of 
all deeds of sale, mortgage or transfer of real property. 



35 

The Lord's Seneschal holds a circuit of Baronial 
Courts twice a-year, in the four towns, and at Kirk 
Michael, for the entry of sales, and transfer of pro- 
perty, and for the regulation of fines and quit rents of 
lands due to the Lord. The present Seneschal is 
James Quirk, Esq Douglas. 

THE ROLLS OFFICE 

in Castle Rushen, is also an office of record, con- 
nected with the Court of Tynwald, the Chancery 
Court, and the general affairs of Government. In it 
are deposited all the statutes and judgments of the 
Legislature, and all public deeds and examinations 
relating to the general affairs of the country. The 
Clerk of the Rolls is 
John M'Hutchin, Esq Castletown. 

THE TYNWALD COURT 

is one of legislation, consisting of the Governor and 
Council and the Keys. It is called the Tynwald from 
the Danish word " Ting," that is Forum Judiciale, 
" a court of Justice," and " wald," that is " fenced." 
Before any laws can become statutes of the land, they 
must be promulgated in Manx and English, before 
an open court, at Tynwald Mount, the form and 
ceremony of which will be described in another 
place. At this court, which is held on the 5th of 
July, annually, whether there be laws to promulgate 
or not, a Coroner for each of the six sheadings, or 
great divisions of the Island is appointed, who is 
vested with power in many respects, analogous to 
those of an English sheriff. He is both a ministerial 



36 

officer and a conservator of the peace, and according 
to an ancient statute holds his office for one year 
only. The duty of the coroner is highly important ; 
he is vested with the power of carrying into execution, 
both the civil and criminal laws of the Island. Besides 
the duty of holding inquests, in cases of violent and 
sudden death, all judgments for debt or damage are 
levied by him, from and out of the property of the 
debtor. A salary of only £20 is annexed to the 
office, but as he obtains a poundage upon all effects 
sold under execution, and has other emoluments, the 
situation must be a very lucrative one ; and none but 
respectable, intelligent men of education, ought to be 
appointed to fill the situation. 

In all the courts of the Island the parties are at 
liberty to plead their own cause in person, but it is 
seldom practised, as there are now so many able, in- 
telligent advocates to undertake the business. 

The enactment of laws, the levying taxes, and the 
superintendance of roads, constitute the various duties 
of the Legislature ; but they have become very light 
indeed. The laws are few and defined, and since the 
reformation of the code, have required little alteration. 
The expenditure of the Island consists chiefly in the 
cost of keeping the high-roads and bridges in repair, 
which is defrayed by taxes on wheeled carriages, 
dogs, and licenses. The superintendence of the 
above works is entrusted, by the Legislature, to a 
committee of their own body; and certainly their 
attention to this portion of their duty is highly 
meritorious, for in no part of the kingdom are there 
better roads than in the Isle of Man. The public 



37 

cost which they occasion is much lightened by the 
ancient custom of statute labour, which compels every 
land-holder to contribute an annual portion of labour 
to these works, and thus tolls are rendered un- 
necessary. The Committee of high-roads are : 

Colonel Murray Mount Murray. 

Matthew Dawson Castletown. 

Thomas Arthur Corlett Ramsey. 

Francis Matthews Douglas- 
John Kneale, Esqrs Regaby. 

John Moore, Esq., Surveyor General Douglas. 

MAGISTRATES. 

Additional Magistrates have lately been appointed 
in the Island. This measure was effected by the 
issuing of a commission of the peace under the great 
seal. The following gentlemen are named in it, and 
their powers have been enlarged by an act which has 
recently been passed by the insular legislature. Their 
duty however, is very small. 

Sir William Hillary, Bart Fort Anne. 

Sir George Drinkwater Kirby. 

John Goldie, [chairman] Nunnery. 

Richard Murray Mount Murray. 

John C, Crellin Michael. 

Thomas Carran Peel. 

John Anderson Cooley Lodge. 

William Farrant Ballamoar, Jurby. 

William Christian Claughbane. 

Godfrey Tate Ballameanagh. 

David Stewart Santon. 

James Campbell, Esqrs Ravensdale. 

G. W. Dumbell, Esq., Clerk to the Justices. ..... Belmont. 

E 



38 

The following are the Members of the Manx Bart 

Robert Kelly Douglas. 

William Corlett Ballamona. 

Thomas Arthur Corlett Ramsey. 

Frederick Tellett Ramsey. 

James Quirk Douglas. 

John Kelly . Castletown. 

Evan Gill Ramsey. 

William Stephen Douglas. 

Frederick L. Gelling Castletown. 

James Quirk, jun . . ^ Douglas. 

William Christian Kirk Andreas. 

William Kinley Peel. 

William Kewley Douglas: 

Philip Moore Douglas. 

Richard Harrison Peel. 

William Clague Peel. 

Edmund George Head Douglas. 

John Courtney Bluett Douglas. 

Mark H. Quayle Douglas. 

George William Dumbell. Douglas. 

Frederick J. D. La Mothe Ramsey. 

Henry B. Watts Douglas. 

Edward Wilmott Ceylon. 

Frederick B. Clucas Ramsey. 

John C. Stephen Ramsey. 

John D. Gelling Peel. 

James W. Moore . . * Castletown. 

A. C. Kayll Peel. 

Thomas Haining * Douglas. 

Edward Frizelle Peel. 

Senhouse Wilson Douglas. 

Robert Kelly, jun Douglas. 

R. J. Moore Peel. 

Thomas Howard Douglas. 

J. M. Jeffcott Castletown. 

E. C. Fleetwood Douglas. 

Laurence Craigie ^ . . . . Douglas. 



39 



CEOCRAPH Y, *c. 

CLIMATE. 

The climate of the Island is pure and mild, varying 
often from dry to wet, and may be denominated 
moist ; but only a small proportion of days occurs in 
which some hours of exercise in the open air may 
not be comfortably taken. In the generality of 
winters, the frost does not continue longer than a few 
days, and is always much checked by winds from the 
sea. Summer heat is also moderated by the sea 
breeze, and it is by no means uncommon for the 
night to be warmer than the day. Hence, the win- 
ters are mild and open, and the temperature at all 
seasons, in a very considerable proportion, is softer 
and more equable than in the neighbouring kingdoms. 
It is, therefore, well suited for those conditions of 
health and constitution that are benefited by such 
circumstances, and a more healthy climate than that 
of the Isle of Mann, can no where be found. 

MOUNTAINS. 

The mountains are numerous and lofty, and though 
not fringed with ornamental plants and shrubs, as the 
mountains in Devonshire^ and other parts of England 
are, they are adorned with heath, gorse, and fern, 
which present a very picturesque scene, and the out- 
line of the whole is fine in perspective. They range 
from South Barule at the southern extremity of the 
Island, to North Barule at the northern. Snafield 
is the loftiest, it being nearly 2,000 feet above the 



40 

level of the sea. It is verdant to the summit, and 
bears the snowy tufts of cotton grass. On a fine 
clear day, from the summit of this mountain a grand 
and magnificent panoramic view of the coasts of 
England, Wales, Scotland, and Ireland, extending 
to Solway Frith, Ailsa Crag, the Mull of Gallo- 
way, and the noble mountains of Morne presents 
itself to the eye. Pen-y-pot is the next highest. 
The two Barules, Garrahan, Greba, and Colderan, 
are nearly of equal height, being about 200 feet 
lower than Snafield. The mountains are the Crown's 
waste, and are stocked as commons by the landed 
proprietors with numerous flocks of sheep, from all 
parts of the Island. They also contain vast quantities 
of excellent turf, which annually supplies the country 
people with fuel. 

SOUTH BARULE 

is an object of interest to the sportsman, as near its 
summit the earliest and latest woodcocks of the season 
are found. These birds do not in these Islands fre- 
quent strong covers ; indeed they are seldom found in 
cover except in very bad weather, but amongst the 
heath which covers many of the mountains, and par- 
ticularly the one in question ; they are tolerably nu- 
merous. South Barule is of considerable extent, 
intersected with numerous small running streams, 
many of which require very severe frost to close 
them. It is a favourite calling place for woodcocks 
on their journey southward, in October and Novem- 
ber, and also on their return to the northern regions, 
in February and March. Snipes are found on its 



41 

sides and summit in great numbers, and the Golden 
Plover is plentiful in July and iVugust. It is the best 
beat a sportsman, who is a stranger to the Island, can 
select. A small public-house with convenient stabling 
is situated at the foot of the mountain. The distance 
from Douglas, by way of St. John's, is 11 miles. — 
The road from St. John's to Castletown divides South 
Barule and the Mica Mountain, which also occa- 
sionally affords good cock shooting. The walking 
is very bad on this mountain, which is covered with 
immense blocks of shining white and grey stones, 
with deep heath growing between them ; notwith- 
standing which it is very wet. On the northern side 
of this mountain are situated the Foxdale Mines. 

GREBA 

is on the right of the road from Douglas to St. John's,, 
and is of very rugged and precipitous ascent. On 
the northern side of the mountain is an amphitheatre 
or valley, surrounded by high hills. One of the 
best trout streams in the Island has its source from 
hence, running down Renais Glen, and forming the 
beautiful waterfall known by that name. The name 
of the mountain forming the northernmost side of this^ 
amphitheatre is Blaibaox Blaylal, a name little known 
except to shepherds and sportsmen. Blaiba is a 
capital exposure for woodcocks, and second only to 
Barule or Ingebreck. At the foot of Renais Glen 
and Craig Willie Syl, is a comfortable roadside pub- 
lic-house, where refreshments may be procured at a 
reasonable rate, and, if not served up in first-rate sty le^. 
very clean and neat. This house is a much betierr 



42 

rendezvous for the angler and the shooter than any in 
the Island; it is nine miles from Douglas, by the 
highroad to Ballaugh and Ramsey, and six and a half 
across the mountains. The land on each side of the 
river in Renais Glen, belongs to Mr. Marsden, of 
Liverpool, who is about to plant in the glen many 
thousand forest trees, which will very considerably 
enhance its beauty. 



just mentioned, is the property of A. Spittal, Esq.; ft 
is situated in an immense amphitheatre, formed by the 
mountain of Garrahan on the north and east, and 
Colderan on the northwest, the sides of which are 
covered with plantations of larch — the favourite haunt 
of woodcocks. It is one of the prettiest places in 
the Island. The mountain-road to Ballaugh and 
Sulby pass through Ingebreck. 



At the southern extremity of the Island is the pro- 
montory of Spanish Head, consisting of bold precipi- 
ces, rising perpendicularly from the level of the beach 
to the height of more than 200 feet, and divided by 
extensive chasms, into pyramidal and conical masses, 
which overhang the shore. In one of these recesses, 
which penetrate many yards into the solid rock, is a 
circle of erect stones, appearing to have been a druidical 
temple, for which, from the solitude and sublimity of 
the situation, no place could be more appropriate. 

Grandeur i& confined to the coast ; and the rude 



43 

magnificence of its lofty precipices contrasts strikingly 
with the softer scenery of expanding harbours, shelving 
shores, towns, and villages. 

The interior of the Island is somewhat boggy, but 
the hills are on all sides perforated by glens, which 
are partially adorned with wood, fast rising into tim- 
ber, and watered by torrents, forming in several places 
picturesque waterfalls. The northern part of the 
Island is flat, but richly cultivated, 

RIVERS. 

No country is better watered ; the rivers and springs 
are numerous, and the water good. Every little 
ravine has its stream, but the ocean being near at hand ; 
the rivers are short in their courses. Sulby is the 
largest and longest in the Island, it rises in the 
northern part of Snafield, and the mountains adjoining, 
it takes a course along the base of the mountains, and 
after running about nine miles, discharges itself into 
the sea at Ramsey. The lover of trout fishing will 
be amply gratified by throwing the fly in this stream. 
Douglas river is formed of two branches, one rising 
in the bogs of Marown, and the other in the moun- 
tain above Ingebreck, joined by a stream fro-m the 
foot of Pen-y-pot, which form a junction- immediately 
above the town, one named the Dhoo, the other the 
Glas — hence the name Douglas. In this river also, 
the Piscator may, at times, meet with much diversion. 
Peel river, anciently called the Neb, rises in the 
northern side of Greba, and is joined by several 
tributary streams uniting to form Renais Waterfall. 
When it reaches the base of Mount Sliewallyn,, a 



44 

stream from the northern side of South Barule adds 
much to its volume of water, and dividing the parishes 
of German and Patrick, empties itself into the Irish 
Channel through Peel Harbour. As a trout stream, 
it is inferior only to Sulby river, and is a convenient 
distance from Douglas. Hundreds of salmon are 
destroyed in this river by poachers, who spear the 
fish at illegal seasons of the year, when ascending 
the fresh water for the purpose of spawning. 

Laxey river, formerly the best fishing stream in the 
Island, is now comparatively worthless, owing to 
the lead washing at the Laxey mines. Woodcocks 
are abundant in Laxey Glen, the upper part of 
which, (Glen Roy) is preserved by John Banks, Esq. 

NATURAL CURIOSITIES. 

These consist principally of remnants of antiquity, 
such as — 1. Mounds of earth, which are thought to 
have been thrown up for judicial purposes, the pre- 
sent Tynwald being one so used to this day — 2. 
Cairns, or circular heaps of stones, supposed to be 
burying places — 3. Long stones, set end-ways ; they 
are thought to be of Danish origin, and meant to per- 
petuate the memory of some warriors, or some warlike 
events — 4. Stones placed circularly; these are con- 
jectured to be places of worship, but some writers 
have conceived them to have been used as civil courts 
of justice. The cloven stones, near Laxey, having 
had bones dug up within them, seem to have been 
intended as a sepulchral monument, unless it may be 
conjectured that the ancients used their places of wor- 
ship as we do ours, for places of interment likewise. 



45 

Most of the curiosities will be noticed and alluded to 
in the different tours throughout the Island. 

The bones of the gigantic Elk, now extinct, the 
Cervus Alces of Linnaeus, are frequently found in the 
pits of shell marl at Ballaugh. The largest head of this 
species ever found here is now in the British Museum ; 
it measures from the tip of the highest antler to that 
of the other, 8 feet 6 inches ; largest horn, 5 feet 8 
inches long ; and its broadest palmative part, 14 
inches. A skeleton of this animal, nearly complete, 
was found in 1819, fifteen feet below the surface, 
and ingeniously put up by Mr. Kewish (of which 
the following cut is a representation). 








DIMENSIONS. 

Distance between the tip of the horns. ... 8 ft. in. 

Length of horn 5 10 

From the ground to the tip of the horns. 13 



46 

It was presented to the University of Edinburgh by 
the late Duke of x\tholl, and is now in the Museum 
there. 

The head and horns of one found atBallaugh, may 
be seen in the shop of Mr. Gell, druggist, Douglas. 

AGRICULTURE. 

Before the time of the revestment, the exertions of 
the mass of the peasantry were devoted to the herring- 
fishery, and the contraband trade; and agriculture 
was almost entirely neglected, the task of cultivating 
just as much land as would supply the wants of the 
family, and pay the Lord's rents, being performed 
entirely by the women. Since that period, however, 
great improvements have taken place, and the natives 
have turned their hands with much spirit and diligence 
to the cultivation of the soil. Industry and sobriety 
have, since that demoralising period, diffused their 
influence over the Island, and the advantages have 
been annually increasing, and are very apparent. Still, 
at the present day, the herring fishery, during the 
summer months, engages so much of the attention of 
the men, that the getting in of the harvest is left al- 
most entirely to the women, who are expert reapers, 
and perform many other parts of husbandry. Thresh- 
ing is frequently performed by them on the Upland 
farms ; and in digging up of potatoes, they are little 
inferior to men. 

Many large farms, cultivated by enterprising natives, 
or by experienced agriculturists from England and 
Scotland, demonstrate the great capabilities of the soil, 
when properly managed, and produce crops which 



47 

amply repay the cultivators ; but the small proprietors 
are much indisposed to the adoption of plans of im- 
provement; they pursue the beaten track of their 
forefathers, and regard projects of improvement, if 
suggested to them, as innovating upon established 
practice, and will not incur the isk of what they 
conceive to be merely experiment. They are in- 
capable of adopting any enlarged system of manage- 
ment ; the land is therefore inadequately cultivated, 
and the breed and growth of cattle are neglected. 

Near the towns, where the means of enriching the 
lands are at hand, the most luxuriant crops are pro- 
duced, and exhibit a wonderful difference from those 
where manure is scarce. Sea weed is extensively 
used by farmers near the shore, and with much ad- 
vantage, if mixed with dung. Lime has also become 
a general dressing for land, but the expense of carriage 
prevents the small farmers from applying it so very 
bountifully as they should do. The following lines 
are extremely applicable to the subject : 
"The prudent farmer all manure provides, 
The mire of roads, the mould of hedge-row sides, 
For him their mud the stagnant ponds supply ; 
For him their soil, the stable and the stye. 
For this the swain on Rennet's winding shore, 
Digs sulpherous peat along the sable moor, 
For this, where ocean bounds the stormy strand, 
They draw dank sea-weed to the neighb'ring land." 

LIVE STOCK. 

Every year produces a greater attention to the breed 
and rearing of stock of every description ; many hun- 
dred head of fine fat beasts and sheep are sent annu- 



48 

ally to Liverpool, and the meat exhibited in our 
market will vie with that produced in any part of 
England. The cattle on the Island are short-horned 
and soon fatten, but much attention has been bestowed 
by some landed proprietors, and the breed has been 
successfully crossed. The native sheep are of the 
usual mountain kind — small, hardy, sweet-flavoured, 
but coarse woolled. They endure the severest wea- 
ther with little loss. The Leicestershire and other 
sheep have been introduced. Pigs abound, and are 
very large. Poultry of every kind is plentiful. 

The Island yields a race of very hardy ponies, 
capable of much labour with little food. They are 
exported, and horses of a larger size, for draught and 
other purposes, are imported, as well as bred upon the 
Island. 

MINES AND MINERALS. 

The principal minerals are lead and copper ore, 
veins of which are found in various parts of the moun- 
tains. The largest are at Foxdale and Laxey, and 
are carried on to a great extent by companies of gen- 
tlemen. Those at Foxdale, between Castletown and 
St. John's, have several powerful steam engines and 
water wheels. The ore at these mines contains from 
15 to 20 ounces of silver in the ton of lead. In one 
of the mines (Bethwick's vein) is to be seen one of 
the largest bodies of ore ever discovered in Great 
Britain ; the depth of the present level is 43 fathoms, 
which has been driven through in a horizontal direc- 
tion for a length of sixty fathoms, and the ore is 
setting down equally as strong on the sole of the 



40 

present deep level. The great Foxdale vein, of which 
a very small portion has yet been explored, although 
upon it the principal mines are now working, runs 
nearly east and west, and extends across the Island 
from sea to sea. 

A lead vein has recently been discovered and opened 
on the Ellerslie estate, in the Bishop's Barony. It is 
a continuation of the great Foxdale vein (Beckwith's) 
and contains about the same quantity of silver to the 
ton as Foxdale ; but the ore appears to be of bette? 
quality. It is worked by a number of gentlemen, 
calling themselves the " Mona Mining Company." 
The first cargo was shipped in April, 1840. 

About a mile and a half from the village of Laxey* 
up the glen, are other valuable mines ; — they are 
worked in two levels, and contain copper, and lead 
ore rich in silver, varying from 80 to 120 ounces of 
silver in the ton of lead. The mines are rented from 
her Majesty, as Queen of Man, the lessees paying 
one-tenth part of the produce. 

F. Gelling, Esq. of Castletown, lias recently dis- 
covered a vein of marble, from which he has had 
manufactured some beautiful columns, slabs for hall 
tables, vases, and candlesticks of chaste design and 
fine workmanship. A cylinder of large dimensions 
has been forwarded to the Geological Society for 
their museum. Specimens of the marble may be seen 
at the shop of Mr. Gell, druggist, on the Quay. 

Limestone of excellent quality is found in various 
parts of the Island. On the south of Poolvash 
bay there is a deposit of black limestone of sufficient 
fineness of grain to be worked as marble, and is used 

F 



50 

for tombstones. The steps at the entrance of Saint 
Paul's Cathedral, in London, are from these quarries, 
and were presented by Bishop Wilson. At Spanish 
Head, below high water mark, there is a quarry of 
very strong clay slate of a dark grey colour, from 
which are raised blocks 12 feet long, and of sufficient 
thickness to be used as lintels, gate posts, piles, and 
for various other useful purposes. Excellent veins of 
slate, fit for covering houses, have been found at 
North Barule and South Barule, and other parts of 
the Island ; but coal, we regret to say, has hitherto 
baffled every search that has been made after it. 

A valuable body of Manganese has been recently 
discovered at Foxdale, which will be worked by a 
company in Douglas. This mineral, which is some- 
what similar in appearance to the Black Jack found 
at Laxey, is much used in bleaching, and is very 
valuable, producing, we understand, from £'16 to £18 
per ton. Black Jack, which is scarcely half the 
value of it, is used in the manufacturing of Zinc. 

FISHES. 

The coasts of the Island abound with a variety of 
fine fish. The salmon frequents the bays at certain 
periods, but the Island is supplied chiefly from Scot- 
land. Cod fish is plentiful, and of superior flavour. 
Turbot, skate, soles, blockins, eels, lobsters, crabs, 
oysters, and almost every kind of fish are to be met 
with, and the prices in general are very moderate. — ■ 
The shell fish are not abundant, except crabs and 
lobsters, the latter of which are, to a great extent, 
exported to the Liverpool and Dublin markets ; but 



51 

HERRINGS 

are the staple commodity of the Island, and the 
chief food of the poor. It is these fish that rouse 
the dormant energy of the Manxman's mind, stimu- 
late him to industry, and enliven the whole Island. — 
The herring fishery is a fountain from whence flows 
great private benefit and public good. In its season^ 
its novelty inspires sensations of astonishment and 
delight; the boundless ocean on which is displayed a 
beauteous fleet, composed of 500 sail, some steering 
north, others south, east and west, all in search of the 
finny tribe, and heaving gently its majestic bosom, 
as if proud of its burthen, and willing to exhibit 
Mona's industrious, dauntless, and intrepid sons to 
her view, is a sight truly grand and imposing. The 
herrings appear off the coast in June and remain till 
the end of September, when they deposit their spawn, 
and after November they are no more seen. They 
are first met with on the western side of the lsland> 
and are there very prime and remarkably fat. As 
the season approaches the fish are looked for and their 
arrival indicated by the quantity of gulls that hover 
around them, no less eager than the Manxmen to 
feast on the delicious fare. The boats engaged in 
the fishery are from fifteen to thirty tons burthen, and 
not fewer than from four to five thousand men are 
employed. The produce is divided into nine shares, 
two for the owner of the boat, one for the proprietor 
t>f the nets, the other six for the fishermen. The nets 
are buoyed up by inflated bags of dog-skin, dried in 
the sun, and smeared over with tar, which are found 
to be much better adapted to the purpose than thoss 



52 

of sheep. The season for fishery, by Manxmen, 
commences on the 5th of July, and they shoot their 
nets invariably at the close of day ; the Englishmen, 
however, who frequent the coasts in the herring season, 
commence in June, and shoot their nets whilst the 
Sun is up, and there is no law to prevent them. On 
leaving the harbour, the fishermen invoke the blessing 
of Providence, and Bishop Wilson's form of prayer 
for herring fishery is used. Upon no consideration 
whatever would the fishermen go out on the Saturday, 
or the Sunday nights. The fishery is subject to the 
jurisdiction of the Water Bailiff or the Admiralty 
Judge, who delegates the immediate superintendence 
of it to an admiral and vice-admiral, nominated by 
himself ; these are masters of boats, themselves fisher- 
men ; they direct the time of sailing, and of casting 
the nets, and adjudge all disputes amongst the fisher- 
men. Their decisions are subject to the appellate 
jurisdiction of the Water Bailiff, but that officer 
seldom or ever receives complaints respecting them. 
Mr. Quirk, the present Water Bailiff, has, by his 
judgment, and conciliatory conduct, greatly checked 
their former litigious disposition. On the return of 
the little fleet to the harbour, women and children are 
employed to convey the fish to the several receiving 
houses, where the operation of salting is immediately 
performed, as much of the excellence of the herring 
is thought to depend on the speedy performance of 
this process. The fish are rubbed with salt as soon 
as brought in, and left in heaps till the following 
morning, when they are regularly packed in barrels, 
with a layer of salt between each row* Those de-. 



53 

signed for red-herrings are differently treated ; they 
are, after being well salted, washed, and hung up by 
the gills on small rods, placed in houses built for the 
purpose, suspended in rows from the roof, to within 
eight feet of the floor ; underneath are kindled large 
fires made of oak wood, which are kept constantly 
burning, until the fish are sufficiently dry and smoked, 
after which they are barrelled for exportation. 

A very beautiful poeng on the herring fishery, has 
been written by a Manx lady ; it is too lengthy for 
this little work, but the following is an abridgment 
of it :— 

THE HERRING FISHERY. 

Hail ! mystic myriads 1 Mona's pride and boast, 

From Arctic regions pouf'd upon lier coast ; 

Whose annual visits since the world began, 

Have cherish'd and enrich'd the sons of man ; 

Your praise I sing: Ye guardians of our Isle,* 

Deign on my native patriot muse to smile, 

Welcome with me the kind aquatic band, 

And greet this blessing to a grateful land. 

• # * # # 

Spread on the moss-crown'd rock, prepar'd and dry'd, 
The nets made ready for the next kind tide ; 
The expectant fleet, five hundred strong and more, 
With sails expanded quit Eubonia's shore, 
Then cheerful scud, the curling billows rend — 
Tho' first a fervent pray'r to Heav'n they send, 
Uncover'd each — not more intent to guide 
The bark, than Heav'n invoking on their side. 
The historic muse instructs that priests of old, 
Consulted birds, their myst'ries to unfold ; 
So here the crews, that would by fishing thrive, 
Steer to the spot where gulls and gannets dive ; 
*Tho Governor and Council, 



54 

With truth, concluding that the ground to fish on, 
And leave to pagans — pagan superstition. 
The station gain'd — when sable night has spread, 
Her gloomy curtain o'er the Manxman's head ; 
The signal made — each to his bus'ness gets, 
Some gently ply the oar, some drop the nets. 
• » # • • 

The master now inclines his nets to try, 
Attention's fix'd — hope sparkles in each eye ; 
They haul I — What luck ? The spangled net is seen, 
Glowing with glitt'ring fish in guillotine ;f 
All hands are eager, kept in full employ, 
Successive heaps now multiply their joy. 

Now morn appears, — the crews, as each have sped, 
Find schemes of Interest floating in each head ; 
Some steer their cargoes for Hibernia's shore, 
To British markets some convey their store, 
But eager homeward bend the major part, 
Joy in their looks, and pleasure in their heart. 

Herring's the toast through all our happy isle, 
And when you meet a face, you meet a smile. 
Tis true my friend, fresh herring on the dish, 
Would leave no Roman epicure!) a wish ; 
When drest with all our garnishes of art, 
Proud might an Alderman play well his part : 
But cloth remov'd — o'er port I hear him sing, 
Of viands delicate— herring is the King, 

Now busy factors cure, and smoke, and dry- 
To distant climes export the scaly fry ; 
While foreign marts the welcome bounty own, 
And send back treasures of the Torrid zone, 
May commerce, then, still flourish round our coast, 
And Mora's Glory be our heartfelt toast. 

♦The Governor and Council. 

fThe herring was unknown to the ancients. 

I Herrings are caught by their gills. 



55 

TRADE AND COMMERCE. 

The commerce of the Island before the act of re- 
vestment consisted, principally, of importing and ex- 
porting contraband goods ; the average returns of 
which, amounted to nearly £500,000. During that 
period the Island was the grand shelter for smugglers. 
On the act of revestment, the Customs of the Ports 
became vested in the British Crown, and are placed 
under the control of the British government. By 
an act recently passed, a new code of revenue laws 
was framed, the principal feature of which is the 
system of licensing the importation of certain goods 
charged with high duties, by this means confining 
them to an extent proportionate to the consumption 
of the inhabitants, and preventing the Island from 
again becoming a depot for smugglers ; but the in- 
crease of population, and the number of visitors who 
favour us with their company in the summer, and who 
generally furnish themselves with a bottle on their 
return, render the quantity allowed, particularly brandy, 
very insufficient. Distilleries of all kinds are dis- 
allowed, under a penalty of £200, with forfeiture of 
all implements employed in the process. The fol- 
lowing is a list and amount of the principal articles 
for which the commissioners of customs are authorised 
to grant licences for importation into the Island:- — 

ALLOWANCE. DUTY. 

£ s. d. 

Brandy 10,000 gallons 4 6 per gallon . 

Geneva 10,000 04 6 ■ 

Rum 60,000 3 6 

Wines. . (French) 110 tans of 225 gals. 16 per tun. 
Wines. . (other sort) 12 ■ 



56 

=£ s. d. 

Bohea Tea 70,000 lbs, 6 per lb. 

Green Tea 5,000 lbs 10 

Coffee 8,000 lbs 4 



Muscovado Sugar.10,000 cwt 1 per cwt. 

Refined Sugar.... 800 cwt 10 

Tobacco 60,000 lbs 1 6 per lb. 

Playing Cards.. . . 4,000 packs 

There is a duty of £2 10s. per £100, on the im- 
portation of other merchandise, which causes great 
dissatisfaction, as the articles are chiefly English 
manufactured goods, and have paid the English 
duties. 

With very trifling exceptions the exportation is 
confined to goods that are the produce or manufacture 
of the Island, on which no duty is paid; they consist 
chiefly of herrings, corn, cattle, lead ore, paper, linen, 
butter, poultry and eggs. The English Corn-laws 
extend to this Island. 

The local taxes arise from a duty upon all 

Bankers ^20 

Brewers 5 

Hawkers 2 

Ale and Spirit Merchant 3 

Wine Merchant 2 

Do. Do. in the Country -» 

Wine, and Spirit Do. wholesale 4 

Four-wheeled Vehicle 1 

Two Do. Do 

Pointer or Hound 1 

Bull-dog or Spaniel 1 

Terrier or Quester 

Cur.. 

For every House 

License to kill Game. ,,.,..,,., 2 

































10 

















L0 





1 





1 





6 





2 


6 


4 












57 

and the amount so raised is expended in keeping in 
repair, altering and improving the high roads and 
bridges. The public roads in every part of the Island 
will be found equal to the finest turnpike roads in 
England, and the improvements yearly progressing 
reflect the greatest credit upon those who have been 
appointed to the arduous situation. 

THE CIRCULATING MEDIUM 

consists chiefly of One Pound local notes, issued from 
three banks in the town of Douglas, which notes are 
confined to the Island, not being payable elsewhere* 
The silver coinage of England is plentiful: but of 
late years much inconvenience has arisen to shop- 
keepers, in consequence of a scarcity of copper, none 
having been coined since 1786. In 1733, 4*300 in 
pence, and £200 in halfpence were put in circulation. 
They bore on one side the Derby crest, an eagle and 
child, with the date below, on the reverse, the 
three legs of Mann, with J. D. between the bend, and 
the motto quocunque jeceris stabit. In 1758, £250 
in pence, and £150 in halfpence, were put in cir- 
culation ; the impression then was, the Ducal coronet, 
with a cipher A.D., and the date under; the reverse 
as before, without the initials J,D. 




58 

Tn 1786, the impression was the King's head, with 
the date under, the motto round it Georgius III. Dei 
Gratia; the reverse as before. The above coinage 
passed current fourteen pence to the English shilling. 
In the winter of 1833 — 4, the Island being inundated 
with base metal from every part of the Globe, the 
merchants attempted to remedy the evil by importing 
the English copper currency, twelve pence to the 
shilling. This measure was decidedly opposed by 
the country people in the market, and by the lower 
orders in the towns, who became ripe for riot on the 
occasion, and who opposed the change on the ground 
that it would be to their disadvantage. The insular 
legislature, for a considerable time objected to pass a 
Bill to assimilate the Manx currency with that of 
England, and the Lords of the Treasury refused a 
coinage until they were assimilated ; in consequence 
of which, the retail trade was materially obstructed. 
From the many petitions forwarded to the Governor, 
a Bill was brought into the House of Keys, which, 
after much procrastination, was passed into a law, 
and a coinage of pence, halfpence, and farthings, to 
the amount of £1000, having on one side the head of 
her Majesty, and on the reverse the three legs, was 
struck off at the mint, and it arrived on the Island in 
April 1840. 

ARMORIAL ENSIGN. 

The ancient Armorial bearing of the Island was a 
ship, and its motto Rex Mannzce et Insularum ; but 
when the Scots obtained possession, the legs w T ere 
substituted. It is said of the three legs that with the 



59 

toe of the one they spurn at Ireland, with the spur of 
the other they kick at Scotland, and with the third 
they hend to England. The subjoined cut is a re- 
presentation of the arms at the present day* 




60 



INTERIOR OF THE COUNTRY. 



" I love thee, dear Isle ; my affections are wound 

Round thy glens and thy mountains, thy oceans and streams; 

A thousand endear'd recollections surround 

The land where my childhood indulged its fond dreams." 



DOUGLAS. 

Though Castletown derives, from the circumstance 
of its being the seat of government, a sort of metro- 
politan importance, Douglas is the principal, most 
populous, and greatest commercial town in the Island, 
and the place at which nearly all the visitors arrive. 
It is situated in the corner of a bay, enclosed by two 
bold promontories, more than two miles apart, and is 
an asylum from the tempests of the north-west and 
south, but is greatly exposed to storms from the east; 
notwithstanding which, the bay affords the best an- 
chorage and securest refuge in St. George's Channel. 
Douglas harbour is an excellent one for its size, and 
admits vessels drawing eighteen feet of water* To 
improve the harbour, and render it secure during any 
wind, Sir William Hillary, Bart, first drew the atten- 
tion of the public to the important subject of con- 
structing a grand central harbour for the Irish sea ; 



61 

and some years afterwards, Sir John Rennie surveyed 
the proposed site, and drew up a report, approving of 
the project, and suggesting a plan for carrying it into 
effect. Other eminent engineers have subsequently 
been engaged in similar undertakings. Sir J. Rennie 
estimated the cost at £200,000. Sir William Hillary, 
in a more recent publication on the same subject, has 
suggested that the expense might be defrayed out of 
the surplus revenues of the Isles, amounting to be- 
tween £15,000 and £20,000 annually. 

On approaching the Island from the sea, the lover 
of the picturesque must be truly gratified with the per- 
spective presented to his view. The first object which 
meets his eye, after turning either of the heads, is the 
Tower of Refuge, built on Conister, or St. Mary's 
Rock ; it Was projected by Sir Wm. Hillary, Bart., 
and the first stone was laid by Lady Hillary in 
April, 1832. Independent of its great utility, the 
tower is highly ornamenal, and adds considerably to 
the beauty of the bay. 

" E'en rocks, those inmates of the main, 
Within whose region dangers reign, 
On which the seaman's fears attend, 
May sometimes prove the seaman's friend. 
Here rising boldly from the sea, 
A rock boasts its utility : 
It ne'er o'erlooks the seaman's grave, 
But offers to protect and save ; 
And while the billows round it roar, 
It guides the ship to Mona's shore." 

Beyond the 1;ower the eye takes in at one view the 
shore, sloping upwards to the mountains edge, studded 
with the residences of the principal inhabitants, 



62 

amongst which Mona Castle stands pre-eminent, on 
the beach, beneath a cliff covered with flourishing 
plantations. 

In a recess at the south side, rises the town of 
Douglas, with a handsome pier, and a light-house of 
classical elagance, both built of yellow free-stone, 
at an expense to government of £25,000. The fol- 
lowing is a model of the light-house. 




Another light-house has been erected by the Com- 
missioners of Harbours, on the lower projection of 
Douglas Head, and on the larboard hand on entering 
the bay. The light is stationary, of the natural co- 
lour, and appears like a star of the first magnitude at 
the distance of 15 miles. 

On the south side of the harbour, opposite the 
light-house, stands Fort Anne, the picturesque seat 



63 

of Sir Wm. Hillary, Bart, the founder of the Royal 
National Institution for the Preservation of Life from 
Shipwreck, and the projector, and principal con- 
tributor to the erection of, the Tower of Refuge. 

ADDRESS TO DOUGLAS,— By a Visitor, 

Thy lovely bay, thy grand and noble pier, 
Thy woodland scenes, thy waters pure and clear ; 
Thy breezes soft, imparting health's sweet balm, 
To cheer the mind, the body's pain to calm ; 
Thy lofty hills, with em'rald verdure crown'd ; 
Thy cattle feeding on the sloping ground ; 
Thy peaceful valley, dotted o'er with sheep ; 
Thy own pure river, flowing to the deep ; 
These, and a thousand charms my heart beguile : 
Oh, how I love thee ! Douglas of the Isle. 

Thy rock of refuge, too, with beacon tow'r, 
For hapless seamen, wreck'd in peril's hour : 
What words can tell the thoughts within me rais'd, 
Of bliss bestow'd, as on it I have gaz'd : 
To soothe each being who the storm outlives, 
This little tow'r a welcome refuge gives : 
Where oft the home-bound skiff, in times of yore, 
Hath struck upon the rock in sight of shore J 

Oh, Hillary ! thy philanthropic heart 

In love hath rais'd this magic piece of art ; 

The bay's chief ornament, with use combin'd, 

It stands the beacon, too, of thy great mind I 

In chaste simplicity it rears its head, 

Nor heeds the spray, nor wildest storm doth dread I 

Secure within its sea-girt islet rock, 

Its modest walls may brave Time's latest shock. 

Thy scenes I still retrace, they still beguile 
My heart to love thee— Douglas of the Isle I 



64 

Nearer the Head is Harold Tower, a very handsome 
mansion, occupied by James Quirk, Esq. the High 
Bailiff. The tower over the Head serves only as a 
land-mark for mariners. 

The Quay is spacious, and well adapted to the 
purposes of trade. All vessels having license goods 
are, by act of parliament, compelled to deliver their 
cargoes exclusively at this port. The Custom-house 1 
is conveniently situated for business ; it was erected 
during the prevalence of the contraband trade by one 
of those persons who had realised a considerable pro- 
perty in that pursuit; but in the panic following the 
revestment of the Island, it was sold to the Duke of 
Athol, who made it for some time his residence. It 
is rented by the Board of Customs, of Messrs. Scott,, 
whose property it now is. 

The streets, as in most old sea-port towns are ir- 
regular, crowded, and confused, but contain many 
excellent comfortable houses ; the shops are large,, 
some very splendid, especially in Duke Street, and 
are well furnished with goods and merchandize of all 
sorts, more so indeed, than is usually to be met with 
in a country town of the same size. Doirglas con- 
tains about 8,000 inhabitants, and has become a place 
of considerable bustle and traffic* In the vicinity of 
the town, many large mansions, numerous beautiful 
villas, rural seats, and genteel residences, have recently 
been erected, and are occupied by wealthy individuals,, 
and buildings are progressing at a rapid rate. 

GAS COMPANY. 

As a Gas Company has been established, it is 



65 

much to be regretted that the town is not lighted, ex- 
cept, along the quay during the winter, and that at 
the expense of the harbour trust ; but most of the 
principal shops are fitted up with gas, which adds 
much to the respectability of their appearance. As 
nothing tends so much to preserve the peace and 
quietness of a town, and protect the property of the 
inhabitants from nightly depredations, as lighted streets 
at night, we are surprised at the apathy of the Douglas 
gentry and tradesmen ; still we do hope shortly to see 
a measure so essentially necessary, carried into effect. 

WATER COMPANY. 

Formerly the inhabitants were supplied with water 
carried about in carts ; a Water Company has, how- 
ever, within these few years past, been formed by a 
set of spirited gentlemen, and which has nearly an- 
nihilated the abominable nuisance which had so long, 
and so disgracefully annoyed the people. The main 
reservoir is situated above the Crescent, is ninety feet 
higher than the level of the sea at high water, and 
capable of supplying every house in the town. The 
water is clear and excellent, and the establishment of 
the company has been of great benefit to the town. 

STEAM PACKET COMPANY. 

But the greatest advantage which has been con- 
ferred upon the Island, and is likely to continue such, 
was the formation of a Steam Packet Company. 
Before that company was established, the communi- 
cation with the Island was kept up by means of sail- 
ing packets from Liverpool and Whitehaven ; and it 



Has not infrequently occurred, that all intercourse wish'* 
the Island and the parent country has been stopped 
for- a month or six weeks,, and scarcely a stranger 
would then ever think, of visiting the Island for 
pleasure. Now^.bowever, as the passage is generally 
made in eight hours, and the packets come daily, and 
are worked in the roughest weather with the most 
astonishing precision, the visitors during the season, 
are indeed numerous. The packets, the Monas Isle 
and Queen, of the Isle, (the former of which, when 
first launched^, was considered by competent judges, 
the handsomest model that ever appeared in the Clyde 
or the Mersey,) are each commanded by experienced; 
seamen, thoroughly acquainted with the Manx coast,, 
and by whom every attention is paid to th& comfort 
aaad accommodation of the passengers. . 

ACROSTIC. 

Q^u-ick through the waves her headlong course she speeds^. 

U ncurb'd and free, no useless sail she needs ; 

E nough for her is thy Herculean ppw'r 

E xpanding Steam f— When clouds look black and low'r, » 

Hay, when the tempest sweeps along the deep, 

r. mountain waves t' oppose her fiercely- sweep,-r-- 
M irnv aad*secure, their fury she'll defy, 

^Through all* their hostile strife she 5 It onward fly. — 
H ar beauteous form, her majesty and graces 
ILaeh^ ornament^ so suited to- its place, 

T fain would tell of— but her noble crew* 

SKome praise demand — to them our praise is due.-— 

33-orig' may-ber brave* and gallant Captain *€?HI s 



mr 

When the tide answers the packet invariably cermet 
into the harbour, at other times it anchors inside of< 
Douglas head, about 100 yards from the Pier, and the 
passengers are immediately brought ashore, with care 
and safety, free of any charge, by boatmen stationed 
for the purpose. The landing boats are regularly 
numbered,, and each boatman has also his respective 
number attached to ' the arm by means- of a brass 
plate, without- which, TjO porter or boatman is allowed 
to approach the vessel, and the police are always in 
attendance, on the arrival of the packet, to put in 
force these regulations, aneb to prevent confusion and 
imposition* The trip on a fine day, is really delight- 
ful ; except to a few the effect of the motion of the 
vessel, steadily directed by powerful machinery, is- 
much less than that usually produced by the swell 
caused by the wind. and the -tides irt sailing packets. 
The mails are conveyed by these packets; every day 
in the summer, and twice a week in winter ; and owe 
of them carries goods^ which is* found to< be a great 
ascommodation* to^ persons in business; The fase 
from Liverpool to « Douglas, . during the summer is 
only 7s. 6d. cabin, 3s. steerage. There is also a* 
steam communication kept up with Whitehaven, 
Douglas, and Dublin, during the summer season ; and 
the Scotch packets call at Ramsey on their passage 
to and from Liverpool. There are also several regular 
trading vessels to Liverpool,- W>hitehaven 4 and the- 
Scotcb and Irish por^ts^ 

STEAM PACKET AGENTSV 
Qfieen oF the Isle and Mona's Isle. . Mr. E. Moore, Douglato - 

Whitehaven Packet Mr. J. Clark, Douglas^ 

Saniscy^ldTerjgeal, and Glasgow. ..Mr. J; HeelLr, Ramsey 



m 

The Isle of Man district association of the Royal 
National Institution, for the preservation of life from 
shipwreck, which institution originated in this Island, 
under the auspices of Sir W. Hillary, Bart., is held 
in this town. It was founded in 1824, under the im- 
mediate patronage of the King, the princes of the 
blood royal, and many of the leading men in the 
state; it provides good clothing, medical assistance, 
and the means of returning to their homes, the destitute 
sufferers of all nations, and has life boats, and a com- 
plete set of Captain Hanby's apparatus, in constant 
readiness, at all the principal ports. This district as- 
sociation is under the immediate superintendance of 
his Excellency the Governor, as patron ; Sir William 
Hillary, Bart., president. 

There is a National Daily and Sunday Free School 
in the town ; it is a substantial building in Athol- 
street, and was erected in 1812, by subscriptions and 
donations, at a cost of £'1,118 8s. 8d. It has edu- 
cated 4580 children since its establishment. At the 
present time 300 children are in attendance daily, re- 
ceiving instruction according to the national plan of 
education. Mr. James Cretney is the master, and 
Mrs. Jane Kneale the mistress, at salaries very inade- 
quate to the duties they have to fulfil. 

This school is wholly supported by subscriptions 
and donations, and the contributions after two sermons 
annually preached at St. George's Church. A sub- 
scriber is entitled to send two scholars for every 
guinea. There are also Infant Schools, and Sunday 
Schools at all the Chapels. 

There are various benefit societies also, which 



69 

establish this great truth, of infinite national import- 
ance, that the people in general we competent to their 
own maintenance) the nation, no boubt, has saved 
millions by these beneficial institutions, and they cer- 
tainly deserve much praise and encouragement. 

Two Lodges of the Independent Order of Odd 
Fellows, of the Manchester Unity, have been opened 
in the town, and the number of members is about 
260, and are rapidly increasing. 

mechanics' institution. 
A Mechanics' Institute had been some years 
established, and was liberally encouraged. The 
whole library was consumed by fire about eighteen 
months back; it is rising rapidly, however, out of its 
own ashes, and is very generously supported by many 
respectable inhabitants ; the books are selected with 
much care and judgment, and the working community 
derive much benefit from it. The subscription is 
only 6s. per annum. 

BANKS. 

There are three good Banks in Douglas ; Messrs- 
Holmes', on the South Quay, Mr. James Haining 
Cashier, draw on Masterman and Co. ; the Isle of 
Man Joint Stock, !N orth Quay, Edw. Forbes, Esq., 
Manager, Mr. John C. Charles, Cashier ; draw on 
Williams, Deacon, and Co. ; Isle of Man Com- 
mercial, Prospect Hill, Wm. Dickie, Esq., Manager, 
Mr. Henry Johnson, Cashier; draw on Prescott^ 
Grote, and Co. There is also a Saving's Bank* in 
Great George's Street. 



70 



THE POST OFFTCE 

is situate in one of the narrowest and most inconvenient 
lanes in the town ; the mails arrive and depart every 
day in summer, and twice a week in winter. It is 
much to be regretted that some other site is not chosen 
for the Post-office, for since the reduction in the charge 
for postage, the increase of letters has been of so great 
a magnitude, that from the confined and contracted 
situation of the office, and the smallness of the internal 
department, it has become exceedingly burthersome 
to the distributor, and sorely annoying to the receiver. 
In winter the approach to it on a dark night is dan- 
gerous, and the confusion that ensues is indescribable, 
for, to the shame of the Post-office surveyor, the place 
is left in total darkness. The utmost civility and at- 
tention is manifested by Mr. Graves, and every one 
engaged in the delivery of the letters. 

LIBRARIES. 

There are several in the town ; that established by 
Mr. Jefferson, in Duke Street, is the oldest and best 
in the Island, for choice selection and variety ; it 
contains double sets of all Sir Walter Scott's novels, 
and the productions of all the popular and fashionable 
novelists of the age: to which has been recently 
added, several publications of Voyages and Travels, 
by the latest and most celebrated authors. Mr. Dillon 
has one on the North Quay, besides which there is 
the Mechanics' and the Isle of Mann Libraries. 

PRINTING OFFICES. 

There are five Offices in Douglas, at four of which, 



71 

newspapers are printed. The one in Duke-street, 
under the title of the "Advertiser" has been estab- 
lished upwards of thirty-nine years , during the whole 
of which period, it has been conducted by the present 
proprietor, Mr. G. Jefferson. The principles of the 
Advertiser are, and have from its commencement been 
strictly Conservative. It has not only ever been a 
strenuous supporter of the throne, and the established 
religion of the realm, but has always advocated, and 
not unsuccessfully, the continuance of those ancient 
Insular laws and institutions, which have raised the 
little Island to its present state of respectability and 
splendour. An Almanack is annually printed at the 
Advertiser office ; the edition for 1840 was the 38th 
impression. The Sun, which is printed on the North 
Quay, is the property of Mr. James Grellier and Mr. 
John Quiggin, the publisher; it has been in their 
possession about fourteen years. The principles of 
the Sun, are professedly, conservative, but its editorial 
articles are generally of a luke-warm nature. An 
Almanack is also printed by Mr. Quiggin. The 
Herald is printed at the top of Post Office Lane, by 
R. Faragher and Co. It has been established about 
six years ; its principles are Radical, and it is a strong 
opponent of the ancient Insular institutions, and a 
strenuous advocate for innovations of a dangerous 
tendency. The " Liberal" is the property of, and is 
printed by Mr. J. R. Wallace, the proprietor of the 
Museum, in Great George Street ; its principles are 
what its title represents Liberal, profusely Liberal. 
If we are to be guided in our judgment by the editorial 
articles in that paper, we must infer that the proprietor 



72 

is decidedly hostile to a monarchical Government, 
and not remarkable for his support of the Holy 
Scriptures. The other office is in Great Nelson Street, 
and the proprietor of it is Mr. William Walls. 

THE MUSEUM 

in Great George's-street, is worthy the inspection of 
the visitor; it contains an immense quantity of very 
choice and scarce curiosities from every quarter of the 
globe. A great number of the articles, we understand, 
were collected by the proprietor himself, during 
several voyages that he made in his youthful days to 
foreign climes, and the collection has been greatly 
augmented by many valuable presents since its estab- 
lishment, in 1835. It would be folly in us to attempt 
to give even an epitome of the collection of curiosities 
which will there meet the eye of the admirers of the 
products of nature and art, and as the admission is 
no more than one shilling, we do not know how a 
visitor can pass a few hours better, than in inspecting 
the various curiosities that he will there meet with. 
Mona is, we believe, the only Island attached to the 
British dominions, that can boast of having a col- 
lection of curiosities, worthy the appellation of a 
Museum. 

the public baths 
Consist of hot and cold sea- water, shower and vapour 
baths, fitted up in a neat and comfortable manner at 
the end of the Parade. Bathing-machines are al90 
to be met with in great numbers along the shore. 
The sands afford a fine ride, extending near two 



73 

miles, terminated by romantic rocks, down which in 
winter run two beautiful cascades ; the sea-water is 
peculiarly clear, and the view of the bay is delighful, 
and the swelling sails that so often solicit attention 
break the fatigue which the eye would otherwise feel 
from the vast expanse of water. 

As a sea-bathing place Douglas is not surpassed by 
any in the United Kingdom. For the salubrity of the 
air — the clearness and strength of the water — the 
numerous suitable residences and lodging - houses 
erected along the shore and in the town, for the ac- 
commodation of visiters — and the moderation in all 
charges, are strong inducements for genteel families 
to take up their residence here. 

PLACES OF WORSHIP. 

Besides the parish church of Braddan, which is 
nearly two miles from the town, there are three chapels 
belonging to the Established Church ; one of them is 
situate on one side of the Market-place, and is dedi- 
cated to St. Matthew ; it contains about 300 sittings, 
and was consecrated by Bishop Wilson in 1708. To 
it is attached a Library, established by Bishop Wilson, 
and augmented by Bishop Hildesley. On an emi- 
nence to the west of the town, just above Athol-street, 
is St. George's Chapel, a large, modern, and elegant 
building, erected by subscription ; it has spacious 
pews and galleries, which will comfortably accom- 
modate 800 persons, and it has also a handsome fine 
toned organ. A new chapel, capable of accommo- 
dating 1,500 persons, has been erected in Fort-street, 
and is dedicated to St. Barnabas. This is one of the 

H 



74 

chapels constructed out of the funds obtained for that 
purpose in England, by Bishop V^ard and the Rev, 
Hugh Stowell. One-third of the sittings are free. 
At the upper end of the harbour is moored a vessel, 
formerly employed as a transport, granted by Lord de 
Grey, — then first Lord of the Admiralty, — at the re- 
quest of Bishop Ward, in which service is regularly 
performed on the Sabbath. There is also a place of 
worship erected in Finch Road, for the adherents of 
the Scotch Church, and a Chapel in Athol-street 
for the Independents. 

The Wesleyan Methodists have two large Chapels, 
one in Thomas-street, which seats a thousand persons, 
and another in Well Road that will contain six hun- 
dred ; underneath the latter are spacious school-rooms. 
The Primitive Methodists have also a Chapel in 
Factory Lane, which is capable of containing seven 
hundred persons. 

The Roman Catholics, who formerly occupied a 
small building on the Castletown Road, about a mile 
from Douglas, as a Chapel, which was dedicated to 
St. Bridges, the founder of the Nunnery, have re- 
moved into Athol-street. We believe there has never 
been on the Island the conversion of a single native 
to Popery ; so deeply rooted is the attachment of the 
Manx to the Established Church. 

CHARITABLE INSTITUTIONS. 

A few years ago there were no asylums for distress 
of any kind in this town ; the indigent had no house 
to shelter them in age ; the sick had no hospital ; the 
poor married woman no watchful nurse or doctor to 



75 

attend her, and administer to her sufferings ; but now 
there has sprung up, by the exertions of the clergy, 
and the humanity of the affluent, institutions of the 
noblest nature. Douglas can now boast of having a 
House of Industry for the relief of the aged indigent, 
but deserving of both sexes ; — a Dispensary, for af- 
fording medical assistance to those who may require 
it ; — a Ladies' Society, for the distribution of soup 
and other nourishment to the poor; — a Lying-in 
Charity, for providing baby-linen and other neces- 
saries for the use of deserving married women, whose 
circumstances require a little aid and assistance at that 
period ; besides many other beneficial societies truly 
honourable to the projectors. And all these institu- 
tions are upheld and supported by the voluntary con- 
tributions of the inhabitants, and sums collected after 
sermons preached in their behalf at the different 
churches and chapels in the town. 

SHIP BUILDING 

is carried on to a fair extent in the town. The 
" Bath" yard, near the Parade, the property of James 
Aikin, Esq. is by far the largest establishment ; many 
beautiful vessels have here been launched from their 
stocks, and have reflected great credit on the builder ; 
the concern is under the entire management of Mr. J. 
Winram. Several pretty small craft have also been 
built by Messrs. Quiggin and Co., and Messrs. John 
Moore and Co. 

THE MARKET. 

The market has, from time immemorial, been held 



76 

in the open air, and such is the attachment of the 
lower class of the Manx people to the old customs, 
that it may be said to resemble superstition, for al- 
though a most excellent market-house has been 
erected, and they were offered gratuitous standings in 
it, they will not desert their ancient " Old Cross" ; 
thus are respectable families compelled to stand in the 
open air during the most boisterous and tempestuous 
weather, to purchase their poultry, eggs, and butter. 
The market- house, therefore, which is a model in 
miniature, of St. John's, at Liverpool, and creditable 
to the unfortunate speculators, is entirely deserted. — 
The market is on a Saturday, and is well supplied 
with provisions, and vegetables of all kinds. 

HOTELS AND TAVERNS. 

There is no watering place in the United Kingdom 
where there is better accommodation for visitors, than 
in this little Island ; or where more respect is paid, or 
greater civility, liberality, and attention are shewn 
to them by the proprietors of Hotels and respectable 
Lodging Houses. Castle Mona, situated a little 
more than half a mile from the town, is the largest 
Hotel in the Island ; it is a princely mansion, mag- 
nificent for its size, and the grounds around it, (which 
are very extensive, prettily laid out, and planted with 
a variety of exotics and native shrubs) are reserved ex- 
clusively for the inmates of the Hotel; Mr. Heron, 
formerly of the Porto Bello, Dublin, is the proprietor. 

The York Hotel, on the Parade, has been long 
established, and has ever been conducted in the 
most creditable and respectable manner ; it is an e$- 



77 

cellent residence for visitors, and the present proprietor 
is Mr. J. Mc.Kenzie, to whom, for a number of years, 
had been confided the sole and entire management of 
the British Hotel, during the life of the late Mrs. 
Dixon. His establishment has lately been increased 
by the addition of a comfortable private hotel, for the 
accommodation of families who wish to avoid the 
noise and bustle of a public hotel. Here the visitor 
may enjoy the ease and quiet of a private mansion, 
with the comforts and luxuries of an hotel, on very 
liberal terms. This establishment is within one 
hundred yards of the hot and cold baths ; about the 
same distance from the shore and the pier, which is 
the grand promenade in Douglas. The only public 
billiard table in the town is at the York. 

The British, and the Victoria, are also very ex- 
cellent and convenient Hotels ; the former is situate 
in the market-place, the proprietor of which is Mr. J. 
Nelson ; the latter near the pier, and is kept by Mr. 
Thomas Statham. 

Very good accommodation and civil treatment w T ill 
be met with at Robinson's, (late Redfern's,) in St. 
James's-street ; Cain's, Queen-street ; Poole's, on the 
Parade ; Braid's, in Moore's-court ; Crelley's, Church- 
street ; Hodgson's, in Heywood-place ; Proctor's, in 
Lord-street ; and Lewis's, in Mucklesgate. 

HORSE AND CARRIAGE ESTABLISHMENTS. 

The largest and oldest in the Island, is at the com- 
mencement of the pier ; many of the vehicles are real 
<* Bang ups," and the " turns out" are dashing, stylish, 
and elegant. The concern is carried on by Mr. John 



78 

Dale, and the visitor will experience here, what is not 
met with at every establishment of the kind even in 
England, viz. * civility, attention, and good language/ 
There is also an extensive establishment, connected 
with Castle Mona Hotel, which is conducted by Mr. 
Hensley. Mr. Braid, of the Cumberland, has also 
a very excellent horse and carriage concern. 

Capital vehicles, and good horses may also be had 
at Robinson's, (late Redfern's,) Fort-street, and at 
Cain's, Saddle Inn, Queen's-street. 

THE PIER. 

The pier forms the principal evening promenade for 
the townspeople ; it is 500 feet long and 40 broad ; 
at its termination it expands to a breadth of 90 feet, 
of much greater elevation, and which is ascended by 
a flight of steps. From this spot the stranger must, 

With raptur'd eye, and mind serene, 
Admire the grandeur of the scene ; 
Pleased he'll survey the placid main, 
The beauties of the liquid plain, 
And listen to the murmurs bland, 
Of ripp'ling waves that wash the strand, 
While stately ships in gallant pride, 
Smooth o'er its lucid bosom glide, 
And to the raptur'd sight display 
Their swelling sails, and streamers gay. 

From this spot too he will find 

The landscape's varied charms display, 
Romantic hills, and prospects gay. 

On the pier is a small building, in which the 
Deemster, the High Bailiff, the Vicar-General, and 



79 

the Magistrates transact business; adjoining which is 
a filthy hole for the confinement of disorderlies and 
culprits, previous to their being examined. It is a 
disgrace to the town of Douglas, and a proper place 
of confinement is very much wanted. Formerly, an 
ancient fort, or round tower, which stood at the 
bight of Pollock's rock was used as a place of con- 
finement for common offences, but it has been pulled 
down about twenty years. The following is a de- 
lineation of it. 




The United Service Club, established in 1829, 
hold their meetings in a room at the end of the pier. 
It is the daily resort of the half-pay naval and 
military gentlemen in Douglas ; a very short distance 
from which is the Isle of Man Library, and a Sub- 
scription News Room. 

ENVIRONS. 

The Head, or what is called the Howe, of Douglas, 
is the first spot a stranger should visit, as a view, from 
it will convey a general and accurate idea of the town 



so 

and of the Island. To arrive at it, he will cross the 
bridge at the end of the harbour, and, turning to the 
left, will pass the large Iron Foundry of Mrs. Gelling 
and Sons, and the Gas Works; on ascending the hill 
he will go by Fort Anne, the residence of the philan- 
thropic Hillary, and Harold Tower, a mansion oc- 
cupied by the Acting Attorney-General of the Island; 
on arriving at the summit, the sea view, as well as that 
along the shore, will be found magnificently grand. 
From hence the eye delighted will rove over the vast 
expanse of water which foams around the rude, 
broken precipices, and if the visitor be of a philo- 
sopjiic turn he will exclaim, 

Ocean ! I love to view thy dark blue face, 
To hear thee rippling on the shelvy shore : 

To me, thy form hath greatness, grandeur, grace — 
To me, there's more than music in thy roar. 

Yet thou art false and fickle ; and though now 
Thy billows beat but softly on their bounds, 

Anon, convuls'd and toss'd tempestuous, thou 

Wilt, foaming furious, batter down thy mounds — 

Thy soft smooth wave the sailor's view beguiles, 
With sunny surface hiding oft the storm, 

Like Friends who flatter when fair fortune smiles, 
To hate the more when frowns her brow deform. 

A spirit reigns within thee, and his will 

Sighs in the breeze and thunders in the blast ; 

Telling of things invisible, yet still 

'Tis formless, viewless, voiceless, dark and vast. 

Spending, but never spent, man marks in thee 
And thy deep billows, that no force can lull, 

A Type of Time hid in Eternity, 
For ever flowing, yet for ever fullj 



81 

Having glutted himself with a view of the ocean, the 
high lands of Wales, and a long extent of the Cum- 
berland coast, crowned with distant mountains, on 
casting his sight inward he will be struck with the 
unrivalled beauty of the panorama before him. At 
one glance his eye will take in nearly every gentle- 
man's residence in the neighbourhod. But the scene 
itself must be viewed — its sublimity cannot be de- 
scribed. 

The walk up by the river, through the grove of 
the Nunnery, is much frequented as a promenade. The 
visitor, after crossing the bridge at the end of the 
harbour, will take the right-hand road until he arrive 
at the Nunnery Lodge, the gate of which he will 
enter, and proceed along the gravel path until he 
arrive at the mansion, the beautiful seat of General 
Goldie, Speaker of the House of Keys, and which 
takes its name from an ancient structure formerly 
occupying the same site, but of which scarcely a 
vestige remains. 

The Nunnery is much admired by all visitors, the 
saloon and other apartments are fine, and elegantly 
furnished. The grounds are extensive, and the 
gardens, which are laid out with much taste, contain 
a great variety of shrubs, and evergeens remarkable 
for their size. Proceeding from the Nunnery the 
visitor will enter a grove, and by pursuing its track or 
footpath, will arrive at a mill, through the yard of 
which he will pass, and after crossing two meadows 
will arrive at Mill Mount, some beautiful modern 
villas erected by Mr. J. Donaldson, who is also the 
owner of the mill, as well as of the bridge house 



82 

and cottage near it. On crossing the road which 
leads to Castletown, and continuing his walk, the 
visitor will pass Ballaughton, the pretty mansion of 
John Wulff, Esq., on the left, and Kirby, the de- 
lightfully situated summer residence of Sir George 
Drinkwater, on the right, soon after which he will 
arrive at 

BRADDAN CHURCH, 

The situation of which creates a romantic effect, and 
presents several objects highly interesting to the ima- 
gination. It is surrounded with trees, and the Church- 
yard is crowded with tombstones and monuments. — 
The date of the erection of the Church is not known ; 
but Bishop Wilson says, — " Rendered, flagged, and 
put a new east window to the Chancel, 1704; I gave 
six pounds to Kirk Braddan vicarage house, 1705; 
1739, I gave £20 towards paying a glebe to Kirk 
Braddan, with £35 of Mr. Thomson's; 1741, I gave 
£15 towards building a new house for the vicarage/' 
The church was rebuilt in 1773. It is neatly pewed, 
contains 400 sittings, and service is performed every 
third Sunday morning in Manx, and in the afternoons 
exclusively in English. In front of the church, 
nearly in the centre of the church-yard, stands a stone 
with the following inscription : 

Durlifr nsaci risti crus dono Aftfiac sunfin fudar sun Safrsag* 

Which has been thus translated, — 

" For Admiral Durliff, this cross was erected by the son of 
las brother, the son of Safrsag." 



83 

The following lines are extracted from a beautiful 
poem written some years ago by Miss E. S. Craven : 

I linger'd o'er the silent characters 

Of a forgotten language, darkly. gone 
With those who traced them to their sepulchres* 

Until it seemed their shadowy lore was won. 

***** 

And Thou ! O silent dweller in the dust, 

Was this fair earth as full of bliss for thee ? 
Hadst thou as bright a hope, as firm a trust, 

A heart of such euthusiastic fervency ? 
Thou answerest not ! — the silent mystery 

Of the grave has no voice, or will not show 
The secret of its power ; and such shall be 

My resting place, as nameless, and as low. 

Didst thou come proudly o'er the ocean foam 
To the lone Island of the storms to reign 

A northern Sea-king in thy desert home— 
The dark usurper of the trackless main ? 

Or woke thy spirit in this lonely Isle 

First to the light — child of the wilderness — 
Free as its stormy waters, by the smile 

Of sunbeams seldom blest, (not loved the less 
For all their tempests ?) Was it there to press 

With the first wind of morn, amid the still 
And shadowy mists, from thy lone cave's recess, 

To wake the red deer on their silent hill ? 

Tired hunter of the Isle — thy chase is past: 

Dark ruler of the waters — we can trace 
The shadow of thy course o'er ocean cast ; 

It is forgotten, like thy resting place ! 
Where is the legend of thy name or race ? 

Far in the midst of ages time has shed 
Oblivion o'er thy glory or disgrace — 

We know but this — thy rest is with the dead. 



84 

Tradition relates that a Danish chief was interred 
beneath this stone, and his family or exploits are sup- 
posed to be recorded on it. Another stone, bearing 
marks of great antiquity, stands against the tower of 
the steeple. Close to the principal entrance to the 
church is a stone with the following remarkable inti- 
mation : — " Here underlveth the body of the Rev. 
Mr. Patrick Thompson, minister of God's word forty 
years, at 'present Vicar of Kirk Braddan, aged 67, 
anno 1678, deceased anno 1689. " The reverend 
gentleman, it would appear, had the stone engraved 
eleven years before he died. Amongst the monu- 
ments is one of a splendid kind, erected to the memory 
of Lord Henry Murray, brother to the late Duke of 
Athol ; near its base is the following inscription : — ■ 
M This sincere testimonial of affection, and deep re- 
gret for their commander and friend, is erected by the 
officers of the regiment : 

e His saltern accumulem donis et fungar inani 
manere! " 

If the visitor have a taste for rural scenery, he will 
hardly find that taste more amply gratified than by 
viewing that hallowed spot, where lie in deep silence 
thousands and tens of thousands who once trod the 
busy stage of life. He can scarcely behold the vener- 
able sanctuary with the solemn surrounding scenery, 
without being forcibly reminded of those beautiful 
lines of Gray : — 

" Beneath these rugged elms, that yew trees shade, 
Where heaves the turf in many a mouldering heap, 
Each in his narrow cell for ever laid, 
The rude forefathers of the hamlet sleep." 



86 

Closely adjoining the stone with the Runic cha- 
racters is a flat one with the following inscription : 
Ayns Coonaghtyn * Jeh 
Elizabeth Cain 
hoor baaso yn cheid Iaa j' October, Vlein 
hogh cheeadyoig as ananejeig as feed 
Jeih Meeghynd cash. 

Near the top of the Church-yard is a marble tablet 
with the following : 

In memory of William Scott, Esq., Receiver- 
General and Collector of the Customs in this Island > 
Ob. August 28th, 1818, Etat. 52. 

During an arduous, zealous, and attentive exertion 
of twenty-eight years in the execution of official 
duty in the public service, his conduct was eminently 
distinguished and approved. The affection and esteem 
of his family and friends during life, and the mani- 
festation of their deep regret upon his decease, may 
be considered the best testimonials of the excellence 
of his private character. 

Leaving the church-yard, and returning to Douglas, 
by the Peel-road, the pedestrian will pass Port-e-chee, 
or the harbour of peace ; it is situate at the end of an 
extensive flat meadow on the left, and was formerly 
the residence of his Grace the Duke of Athol, but is 
now the property of Sir George Drinkwater. 

At Port-e-chee bridge, or the Quarter- bridge, by 
which name it is generally called, (and where .the 
pedestrian can rest and refresh himself, if he think 
proper,) the road on the right leads to the Castletown 
road, and that on the left to the pretty village of 



86 

Onchan, or to the sands of Douglas bay. Proceed- 
ing onward by the main road, the visitor will come 
to Ballabrooie, the castellated villa of Robert 
M'Guffog, Esq. ; many years Comptroller of the 
Customs, for the port of Douglas, but recently ap- 
pointed Collector of Fowie, in Cornwall; not far 
from which, is Mount Vernon, the seat of Doctor 
Curran, very pleasantly situated, but almost secluded 
from the eye of the traveller; adjoining which is 
Burleigh, the beautiful villa of F. Byne, Esq., near 
which is Thornton Lodge, the admired residence of 
Edw. Forbes, Esq. ; at the foot of the hill, on an 
eminence on the left, stands Belmont, the splendid 
demesne of G. W. Dumbell, Esq. ; at the summit of 
the hill on the left, are extensive strawberry gardens, 
kept by Mr. J. Jolly, where our pedestrian may walk 
in and regale himself at a moderate expense ; a few 
yards from the gardens on the opposite side of the 
road, is the handsome seat of Colonel Goldie, quite 
concealed from view by a heavy wall ; it is occupied 
by John Duggan, Esq. 

Having brought our visitor safe back to Douglas, 
we recommend him to amuse himself for the remainder 
of the day in any manner most congenial to his habits 
and inclination, and make us his companion in his 

SECOND DAY/'s RAMBLE, 

Like Dr. Syntax, in search of the picturesque. If the 
tide be out, it should be along the shore, but otherwise 
by the Commercial Bank, up Prospect Hill, and along 
Finch Road, in which there are many respectable 
mansions, with fine sea-views ; and here we recom- 



87 

mend our companion to visit the " House of In- 
dustry," which rears it crest upon an elevation on the 
left hand, having more the appearance of a place of 
worship than a receptacle for the destitute, and he 
will there see what Manxmen, aided and assisted by 
the kind, generous, and open-hearted inhabitants of 
the parent country, who have selected this happy, 
salubrious and peaceful Island for their residence, 
have been able to effect without a compulsory tax. 
The site on which the premises are erected was pur- 
chased ; the building reared from the foundation, and 
furnished ; and the inmates 80 in number, are annu- 
ally supported by the contributions of the humane 
and affluent. Returning into Finch Road, at the ex- 
tremity of which is a beautiful marine villa, erected by 
the late R. Steuart, Esq., many years Receiver-General 
of the Island. Since the decease of that gentleman, 
it has been purchased by the Misses Dutton, and con- 
verted into a Seminary for young ladies, under their 
immediate superintendance. For its size, it is one of 
the most complete things of the kind to be met with. 
The villa, and grounds, which are extensive and laid 
out with great taste, are enclosed by lofty walls. 
Proceeding onward, the visitor will arrive at Castle 
Mona Lodge, where he will find excellent accom- 
modation, and where there is, as we before stated, a 
very large horse and carriage establishment. Passing 
through the gates, our visitor can take either the right 
or left hand road, down to the princely fabric. The 
saloon is splendid and magnificent ; the other apart- 
ments are lofty and elegantly furnished ; the spirited 
proprietor has recently added to the Castle, the much 



88 

desired accommodation of a spacious general coffee 
and news-room for the reception of parties frequenting 
the grounds, where steaks, chops, soups, dinners, &c, 
may be had on moderate terms; the surrounding 
pleasure grounds are planted and cultivated so as 
to draw forth and embellish all their natural advan- 
tages, and are so truly picturesque and romantic, that 
to wander over them must afford gratification, and be 
highly interesting to the stranger. In the Castle is a 
good billiard table ; hot, cold, and shower baths ; as 
well as bathing machines for such as prefer laving in 
the ocean. 

Having viewed the exterior, we recommend our 
friend to go into the saloon, and after having refreshed 
himself, to ascend the heights above, which he can do 
by a winding path, which, by looking around him he 
cannot fail to discover. On arriving at the summit 
he will have a view of Woodville, formerly the pro- 
perty of the "Isle of Man Building Company," 
whose original intention was to erect villas, and form 
a little town, of which the annexed plate is a repre- 
sentation ; unfortunately, however, the company was 
dissolved before the object was carried into effect, and 
the property has been disposed of in lots ; but as the 
major part has fallen into the hands of affluent and 
spirited gentlemen, there is still reason to hope that 
the undertaking will arrive at maturity. From this 
elevated station, many delightful residences are in 
view on the hill, as well as on the lawn beneath. 
The prospect has none to vie with it on the Island* 
Descending from the heights, and proceeding along 
the road which is now fenced off from the sea, the 



$ 



o 

o 

o 



pp 






89 

visitor will arrive at Rock Villa, a beautiful and 
romantic residence erected by the late J. Mc. Crone, 
Esq., and now occupied by his widow ; immediately 
after which at Marion Ville, the handsome summer 
residence of — Simpson, Esq. ; and then at an elegant 
Crescent of respectable dwelling houses, erected at the 
foot of the Cliff, amongst which is a very comfortable 
and respectable hotel, now occupied by Mr. Scruton, 
long known as Cloke's Crescent Hotel ; and a large 
Academy, or Boarding School for young gentlemen, 
conducted with great success by Mr. Steele ; farther 
on is Strathallan Crescent, a number of very beautiful 
cottages; and at the termination of the sands is Derby 
Castle, the property of Captain Pollock, a magnificent 
mansion, fit for the reception of any family of dis- 
tinction. From hence, the visitor may retrace his 
steps along the shore, or if he prefer extending his 
walk, he can ascend the hill, on the brow of which 
is Summer Hill, the property of Deemster Heywood, 
and in a very short space of time, he will enter the 
village of Onchan. 

From the eminences in this parish, there are some 
charming sea views, and beautiful landscapes, and 
various parts of the English coast are distinctly seen 
on a fine day. The eye delighted roves over the 
vast expanse of water, and admires it under all its 
fluctuations. 

ADDRESS TO THE OCEAN. 

When calm thou seem'st, as Phoebus' flickering gleams 
With glitt'ring brilliance on thy glassy brow, 

Like earthly glory, transient as its beams, 
That shine as fiercely and as false as thou. 



90 

Thjr boUt'rous billows batter the rude rock, 

That, tow'ring proudly, dares tby fiercest storms, 

While thunders sound the charge to every shock, 
And banner'd lightnings rear their forked forms. 

A world of elemental pow'r art thou, 

An agitated universe of soul : — 
What are a million Caesars to thee now — 

Ten million hosts to thy tremendous roll ? 

Methinks thy wild waves speak the track of time, 

A rapid, rolling, and resistless stream, 
Terribly swift, yet solemnly sublime, 

No power can reign, no penitence redeem. 

From these eminences the vessels coming into, and 
going out of the bay, present a pretty appearance. 

A great variety of marine plants and mosses, tinged 
with the most beautiful shades are to be met with 
in the creeks and bays of the coast around this village; 
and there are also some curious caves scooped out of 
the rocky shore, which are frequently the resort of 
pic-nic boating parties from Douglas. 

The land about Onchan is exceedingly fertile, and 
there are immense nursery grounds, and a remarkably 
large green-house. 

The church and church-yard, are generally the 
first objects that attract the attention of the stranger, 
who seems instinctively to take a comprehensive range 
over the mouldering ashes of those, who, though once 
alive to the sweetest emotions of the mind, are now 
removed to a heavenly mansion, where 

" Scenes of love, and joy, and bliss immortal reign." 

A new church, with a tower and spire, has lately 
been erected out of the funds raised in England, by 



91 

Bishop Ward, and the Rev. H. Stoweil ; it is capable 
of containing 500 persons. In the church-yard is a 
specimen of an ancient cross ; and on the highest step 
of the old church, was a rude carving of a warrior? 
with some Runic characters thereon. 

Having introduced our stranger into the village by 
the low or shore road, we shall conduct him hack by 
the high or main one ; he will pass Bemahague, the 
seat of Deemster Heywood, and shortly afterwards 
Glencrutchery, the admired and romantic residence 
of Calcot Heywood, Esq. ; after which, there is no 
seat until he arrive at the mansion of J. Schaw, Esq., 
nearly opposite the lodge of w T hich, the road branches 
off, and he will pass Woodbourne, the beautiful villa 
of Mrs. Harrison, and soon arrive again at Douglas. 
Should he, however, prefer the strait road from Mr. 
Schaw's lodge, he will arrive at a very pleasant spot, 
on which have been erected a great number of con- 
venient houses, constituting "Stanley Terrace,'' after 
which he will again reach the shore. 

We have been minute in our description, (perhaps, 
tediously so,) but we w T ere anxious to render this little 
publication, what its title represents it to be; " a guide 
to conduct visitors round the Island/ 5 without sub- 
jecting them to the inconvenience and unpleasantness 
of applying to strangers on the road for information, 
and we trust that our intention will be duly and pro- 
perly appreciated. 

EXCURSIONS. 

We recommend the visitor to make Peel his first 
visit; the ruins of the castle, &c. cannot fail to repay 



92 

every expectation formed of them. The castle, for its 
situation, antiquity, strength, and beauty, may justly 
be styled one of the wonders of the world, art and 
nature having seemed to vie with each other in its 
formation ; it is built on a high rock, which rears 
itself a stupendous height above the level of the sea, 
by which it is surrounded, and is fortified by several 
of less magnitude. 

The insulated rock on which this ruin stands is 
called Sodor; the etymology of which word has 
given rise to much discussion, and the origin of the 
title has been a long time a disputed question ; some 
contend that the Hebrides being divided into two 
sections, the northern were called Nordureys, and the 
southern Sudereys ; the latter of which constituted 
the Isle of Man. The Sudereys, one writer says, 
were latinized into Insula? Soderenoes, and that Sodor 
comes from Soderenses is as clear as the light of the 
noon-day sun." Camden, Buckingham, and all the 
early writers assert that the rock on which the castle 
stands was called Sodor, and as it was the seat of the 
bishopric, and the site of the cathedral, it was suf- 
ficiently important in any ecclesiastical point of view, 
to give an additional title to the bishoprick, as a spot, 
"from which savage clans and roving barbarians 
derived the light of knowledge," it merits being rank- 
ed with Iona; for hither Scottish Kings were sent 
for education by their laws, and Mann was the foun- 
tain of all honest learning and erudition. In this 
conjecture Lord Teignmouth fully concurs. 

Part of the road to Peel, as far as Kirk Braddan 
church, has been described in page 85th ; about half- 



w 










£ 




HHb •'•• 



93 

a-mile from which church, are the Union Mills, where 
there is a manufactory for woollen cloths, conjoined 
with a corn mill. A short distance from the Union 
Mills on the right, is Ballavar, Mrs. Howard; and<a 
little further, upon the hill, is Ballafreer, Mrs. Kewley ; 
and Ballagarey, the property of N. Lockart, Esq. ; 
nearly opposite the fourth mile-stone, in the meadow, 
is Ballaquinnea, a well cultivated farm, occupied by 
Jas. Miller, Esq. ; and some distance above that is 
Ellerslie, the residence of Mr. Faulder. Between 
the fourth and fifth mile-stones is Eyreton, the pro- 
perty of Mrs. Eyres, and on the left Crosby Chapel. 
Soon after which the visitor will arrive at the half-way 
house, by which scarcely a vehicle passes either way 
without stopping; it is kept by Mr. Jas. Burrow, a 
very civil and obliging landlord. Soon after leaving 
the half-way house the traveller will come to the ruins 
of an old Church, on his right hand, dedicated to St. 
Trinian, built sometime between the years 1270, 
and 1344. Near the sixth mile-stone, is Northop, 
the residence of W. Beckwith, Esq. ; beyond Greba 
mountain to the right, is Banff Place, the property of 
Mrs. Bonnyman ; a little further on is Norfolk Place, 
the seat of James Burman, Esq. ; and about a mile 
beyond that is Ballacraine, the Cross-four-ways. 
A short distance beyond Ballacraine, is the 

TYNWALD MOUNT. 

It has a pretty appearance from the road, on the side 
of which it is situated. The mount is supposed to be 
a Danish barrow. It was formerly walled round, and 
had two gates for admission. It forms a pyramid of 



94 

three circles, regularly advanced three feet above each 
other to the top. When the laws are promulgated a 
canopy is fixed, under which the Governor is seated, 
and the officers take their stations around him. Im- 
mediately adjoining the Tynwald, is the small Chapel 
of St. John's, where the Governor and Court first as- 
semble and hear prayers, from whence they proceed 
along a wide grass walk to the Mount. Subjoined is 
a sketch of its appearance. 




In this neighbourhood was fought the battle that 
decided the contest for the Island, between the two 
brothers Reginald and Olave, in the beginning of the 
thirteenth century, and which is said to have been de- 
cided in favour of Olave, by the women of the north- 
ern parts of the Island, whose husbands composed the 
principal part of his array. Their appearance in great 
numbers on the highlands, with weapons of different 
kinds, created great dismay and discomfiture in the 
enemy. Leaving St. John's, the visitor will soon 
arrive at 



95 

PEEL 

a pleasant small town, formerly called Holm town ; 
it is eleven miles from Douglas, and twelve from Cas- 
tletown. When the smuggling trade was at its height, 
Peel was a station of importance, since which it has 
been nothing but a fishing port, annually increasing 
in magnitude as well as respectability. The bay 
abounds with cod, haddock, and herrings of the 
finest quality. There is a good pier, 400 yards long, 
and a light-house at the extremity. There are 70 
herring-boats, from 16 to 30 tons each, belonging to 
the harbour. 

From the smallness of the town, the traveller would 
imagine that accommodation would be difficult to be 
met with, but at the Peel Castle Hotel, kept by Mr. 
Frisell, the best of every thing may be procured at all 
times, and on the most moderate terms. From this 
Hotel a coach runs daily to Douglas during the season 
and vehicles of every description may be obtained. 

The parochial church is dedicated to Saint Peter, 
it will contain about 600 sittings. 

But Peel must ever be a place of attraction to the 
visitors of the Island ; the ancient castle, the walls of 
which even now 

" Look great in ruin, noble in decay," 
cannot fail to afford gratification to the antiquarian ; 
and to the giddy and thoughtless, must prove an em- 
blem of human nature ; it 

" Stands to tell 

A melancholy tale ; to give 

An awful warning ; soon 

Oblivion will steal silently 

Xbe remnant of its fame." 



A Building Company has lately been formed, and 
several convenient dwelling houses are in a state of 
forwardness, which will add much to the respectability 
of the town. 

The rock or island on which the castle stands is 
very extensive, and is separated from the town by a 
narrow channel of the sea, which is crossed in a boat 
in a few minutes, and the visitor will ascend to the 
ruins by a flight of steps hewn out of the rock. The 
Castle is reported to be much more ancient than Castle 
Rushen, and the decay is attributed to the soft crumb- 
ling sand-stone made use of in its construction. 

The Cathedral, built in the year 1245, was named 
after Germaine, the first bishop of the Island ; the 
ground within its walls is now used as a burial-place 
for Roman Catholics, and for strangers wrecked on 
the coast. There were also two small churches, 
dedicated to St. Patrick, which are in a very ruinous 
state, and the greatest part unroofed. The following 
sketch will shew their present condition. 




97 

Beneath the easternmost part of the cathedral is a 
low damp dungeon, formerly used as the ecclesiastical 
prison. The descent into this vault is by eighteen 
steps; and the roof is vaulted by thirteen ribs, forming 
pointed arches, and supported by as many short semi- 
hexagonal pilasters, only twenty-one inches above 
ground. The bottom of this place is extremely rough ; 
and in the north-west corner is a well, or spring, 
which must have added greatly to the natural damp- 
ness of the place, to which there is no other air or 
light, but what is admitted through a small window 
at the east. 

" About the middle of the area, a little to the north 
of the churches of St. Patrick and German, is a square 
pyramidical mound of earth terminating obtusely. — 
Each of its sides faces one of the cardinal points of 
the compass, and measures about 70 yards. Time 
and weather have rounded off its angles ; but on a 
careful observation it will be found to have been 
originally of the figure here described. For what use 
this mount was intended may not be easy to determine. 
Perhaps from this eminence the commanding officer 
harangued his garrison, and distributed his orders; or 
else it may have been the burial-place of some great 
personage in very early times ; tumuli of this kind not 
being uncommon in the Island." 

There were other cells under the church, adapted 
to the purposes of punishment, in some of which the 
wretched inmates could neither sit nor lie down, and 
their seclusion in those dens of horror depended on 
the nature and enormity of their offences, and on the 
will of their judges. Who, in these days of civiliza- 

K 



98 

tion, can reflect without astonishment on the callous 
hearts that could inflict, and the patience that could 
endure, such aggravated torture both of body and 
mind? 

The castle was a common prison for the Island, 
and sundry noble persons have been long confined 
there. Elinor Cobham, Duchess of Gloucester, was 
banished to that castle in the nineteenth year of the 
reign of Henry VI. anno 1440, for witchcraft, and 
died there, after a confinement of fourteen years. The 
following lines on the subject are extracted from a 
volume of beautiful poems, entitled " Island Min- 
strelsy," by Miss E. Nelson, a talented Manx lady : 

" Castle of Peel ! within thy sturdy walls 
Seemest thou to keep the court of misery ! 
When shall thy dooms of evil be fulfilled ? 
When shall the groans of anguish cease to swell 
Thro* thy wave-girdled dens of agony ? 
When shall fair Glo'ster's troubled spirit rest ? 
When shall pale Margaret's wrongs be all repaid ? 
When shall thy many scathed and broken hearts 
Betake them to their graves untroubledly ? 
Oh, thou most dark and drear confessional ! — 
Thou vault of terrible dreamings ! — thy black roof 
Is arched with horror ne'er to be forgot ! 
The groans of all thy victims shall be strong ! 
The midnight screams of anguish, on fierce wings, 
Shall burst thy prisonings and lay thee low, 
Thou bane of gentle woman's happiness ! 

The great Earl of Warwick was also detained seve- 
ral years in custody of the garrison. 

The guard-room is pointed out as the scene of the 
legend of the black dog, "the spectre hound of Man/' 



99 

which destroyed a drunken soldier who would fight 
with it single handed. 

The grave of an enormous giant is shown beneath 
the outer wall of the castle ; it was lately opened by 
two curious joung bucks from Manchester, who took 
only their labour for their pains, as it contained no 
bones, nor any vestige whatever. The visitor will be 
conducted over the ruins by an old bombadier, who 
acts as cicerone, and bolts out his legends like shot 
from a twelve-pounder. 

We will now leave these frowning turrets, massive 
walls, and gloomy dungeons, wholly at variance with 
the beauty and serenity of the spot, and convey to 
the imagination of a contemplative mind, nothing but 
ideas of sieges, chains, torture, and death ; and, after 
having taken a little repast at the hotel, we will re- 
turn to Douglas by 

KIRK PATRICK, 

On leaving Peel by a different road to which we 
entered it, we shall pass a spacious mansion, the pro- 
perty of Mrs. Llewellyn, widow of the late John 
Llewellyn, Esq., late High Bailiff; a little further on 
at the top of a hill on the right is a Tower, which goes, 
by the name of " Corrin's folly;'' it having been erected 
by an eccentric character of that name, who caused 
the remains of his wife and children to be buried 
there, and over them are laid two black stones with 
the usual inscriptions engraven thereon. Shortly after 
crossing a bridge of one bold arch over the river, and 
passing the Ragget, the residence of the Misses 
Bridson, we arrive at the Church, which was erected 

LofC. 



100 

in 1710 by the exertions and benefactions of Bishop 
Wilson, who consecrated it in 1715, and who proved 
himself a great friend and benefactor to it. 

Not far from hence is the most romantic and beau- 
tiful spot on the Island, a valley called Glenmoi. It 
is a deep and rocky glen, well wooded, through 
which runs a rivulet, murmuring over its stony bed, 
and in one part forming a most delightful fall of from 
30 to 40 feet. The northern bank is almost perpen- 
dicular, covered with luxuriant ivy, intermixed with 
holly ; the south side exhibits a rich plantation. It 
is frequently the resort of parties of pleasure. As the 
valley winds considerably, all distant objects are ex- 
cluded, and the whole has an air of the most pleasing 
solitude. 

By returning to Kirk Patrick Church, and con- 
tinuing the road, we shall arrive at Ballamoore, the 
seat of Mr. Richardson, which demonstrates how 
favourable the climate and soil of the Island are for 
the growth of timber. A short distance from Balla- 
moore is the vicarage house, pleasantly embosomed in 
trees, the residence of the Rev. T. Stephen, beyond 
which is Ballacosnahan, that of Mrs. Gelling, and 
Ash Lodge, of Miss St. John. Having arrived at the 
four cross-ways, our companion can retrace his way 
to Douglas, without any farther instruction from us. 

SECOND DAY'S EXCURSION. 

On leaving Douglas for Castletown, which is dis- 
tant ten miles, we pass the Nunnery on the right, and 
the Roman Catholic Chapel on the left ; a little fur- 
ther on the village and mill of Kewague. At the 



101 

second mile-stone, Middle, the delightful villa of 
Major Tobin ; at a short distance beyond the third 
mile-stone on the left, is Cronkbane, the pleasantly 
situated residence of T. Tattersall, Esq. of Liverpool, 
from whence there is some beautiful picturesque and 
landscape scenery. Four miles from Douglas is 
Mount Murray, the seat of Colonel Murray, nephew 
to the late Duke of Athol ; on an acclivity above 
which are to be seen the most perfect remains of a 
Druidical Temple on the Island ; it is called Glen 
Darragh, and is formed of stones of moderate size 
placed erect and at regular distances, enclosing a circle 
fourteen yards in diameter ; on each side is a stream 
of water issuing from fountains about fifty yards 
higher up the mountain, which by the Druids were 
held sacred ; to the east of the enclosure are two walls 
or mounds constructed of stones and earth, bending 
round the temple forming a semicircle, about five 
yards distant from each other ; the spot of ground on 
which these remains are situated is barren, bleak, and 
uncultivated, but from the name Glen Darragh, which 
in the Manks language signifies the Vale of Oaks, it 
would appear that it was originally planted with these 
trees, which the Druids held in great veneration. A 
little further on the left is the recently erected resi- 
dence of Major Stewart ; at the eighth mile-stone is 
the village of Ballasalla, two miles from Castletown. 
There is another road to Castletown, called the old 
or low road; it branches off from the main road about 
half-a-mile beyond the Roman Catholic Chapel on 
the left. Besides being a little shorter, it is nearer the 
shore, and leads through a more pleasant country than 



102 

the principal highway, and affords several picturesque 
sea views ; by this road two miles from Douglas on 
the right, is Oak Hill, the villa of Mrs. Bell, occu- 
pied by J. H. Garvin, Esq., M.iV., as a seminary 
for young gentlemen ; and a mile further, at the top 
of the hill, is Hampton Court, — Heighton, Esq. ; 
opposite, on the left, is Ballashamrock, the property 
of M. H. Quayle, Esq. Upon the high ground 
near Hampton is a beautiful view of the Island to the 
north-east ; further on near the sea is Seafield, the 
property of Captain Bacon ; and on the right is Oat- 
lands, where a picturesque view of the country and 
sea may be seen. A little beyond Oatlands is Kirk 
Santon, a short distance from which are some Druidi- 
cal remains, being a circular range of stones on a 
mount, with others at a short distance ; below which 
there is an aperture denominated the Fairies' Well, 
for there be some of the lower Manx people who, at 
the present moment, actually believe in the existence 
of those little elfs ; and that 

They're here by moonlight often seen 
Tripping round the smooth sward green ; 
Her beams reflected from the wave, 
Afford the light their revels crave. 

A short distance beyond Kirk Santon the traveller 
will again enter the main road, which is only one 
mile from 



the largest village in the Island. Here the " Ivy- 
vested walls" of Rushen Abbey rear their heads; we 
exclaim with Southed, 



103 

" Fall'n fabric ! pondering o'er thy time-tracM walls, 
Thy mouldering', mighty, melancholy state ; 
Each object to the musing mind recalls 
The sad vicissitudes of varying fate." 

Several of the Norwegian Kings of Mann, as also 
several Bishops, are known to have been buried here, 
amongst whom is Olave called the black, from his 
dark complexion, and the third of that name. A 
monument with crosia, and sword of state, may 
be seen in one of the gardens. The present Abbey 
house, with the grounds around it, are the property 
of the Rev. W. P. Ward. 

On leaving the village, and passing the cottage of 
Mrs. Fellowes on the left, and Ballasalla house, the 
property of Sir George Drinkwater on the right, we 
arrive at Lorn House, the residence of his Excellency 
the Governor, just at the entrance into 

CASTLETOWN, 

which is the capital of the Island, and is a small, 
pleasant, neatly built town, divided by a small creek, 
which opens into a rocky and dangerous bay ; over 
which creek there is a draw-bridge and a stone-bridge. 
It has an indifferent harbour, pier, and lighthouse. — 
In the centre of the town stands Castle Rushen, one 
of the finest specimens of an old Gothic keep of the 
middle ages in existence ; it was built in 947, (a date 
inscribed on a beam of oak found in the wall of the 
east tower, in 1815, when undergoing repair ;) and 
the material employed in its construction is so durable, 
that no trace of injury from time, or the action of 
weather, can be discovered, in any part of it. The 
castle consists of a keep, flanked by square towers, 



104 

used as a prison, enclosed by a substantial wall ; it is 
a majestic and formidable object. The early kings 
used to reside there in barbarous pomp. It underwent 
a six months' siege by Robert Bruce in 1313, and was 
defended by the forces of Lord Derby, during the 
civil wars. The Countess of Derby, after the decol- 
lation of the great Earl, for his attachment to royalty, 
fled with her children to the castle as a secure asylum ; 
but when the republican army, under Colonels Birch 
and Duckenfield, with ten armed vessels, invaded the 
Island, this fortress was traiterously surrendered at the 
first summons. 

In the area which forms the market place, is a 
monument, erected to the memory of the late highly 
esteemed Lieut. Governor Smelt. Near the castle is 
a neat building, in which the business of the House 
of Keys is transacted. 

St. Mary's Chapel, in the market place, was lately 
re -built by subscription, assisted by a grant out of the 
funds provided by parliament for building churches; it 
is a substantial and commodious edifice ; it contains 
1,100 sittings, of which 300 are free. When the old 
chapel was pulled down, three Roman coins, of Ger- 
manicus and Agrippina, were found carefully de- 
posited in a square hollow, scooped out of freestone, 
near the place where the ancient cross stood, exactly 
under the same portico. The stone which contained 
these coins was of the same kind as that composing 
the Roman altar, which has from time immemorial 
lain near the same locality, and at present stands near 
the door of the riding-house — inside the glacis of 
Castle Rushen. 



105 

A detachment of soldiers, the only one in the 
Island, is stationed here to mount guard at the castle, 
and to assist the civil force in case of riot or tumult; 
but their services are seldom required. In the market 
place is a most respectable and comfortable Hotel, the 
proprietor of which is Mr. Kneen. 

The visitor will be anxious to take a near view of 
the College, (which will be found fully described in 
page loth of this work ;) in proceeding to it, we shall 
pass the ruins of " Mount Strange," formerly a sum- 
mer-house of the Derby family, and the scene of so- 
ciable festivity; but 

"No more its arches echo to the noise 
Of joy and festive mirth : no more the glance 
Of blazing taper through its windows beams 
And quivers o'er the undulating wave ; 
But naked stand the melancholy walls, 
Lash'd by the wint'ry tempests, cold and bleak, 
That whistle mournful through the empty halls, 
And piece meal crumble down the whole to dust." 

Not far from hence is Hango hill, the place 
where Captain Christian was shot, as mentioned in 
page 9 ; here are the ruins of an ancient tower as 
well as a tumulus. About a quarter of a mile from 
the college is 



with a fine natural harbour, half a mile in diameter, 
affording deep water and capital anchorage ; it is the 
principal resort of the herring vessels on this coast. 
A small lighthouse is placed at its entrance, which is 
lighted only in the herring season. 



106 

The stranger will scarcely leave the southernmost 
part of the Island, without visiting the *' Calf," which 
is separated from the main land by a narrow sound, 
through which the tide runs with great rapidity, form- 
ing what is called " the race of the Calf." The pas- 
sage to the Calf may be made either from Port-le- 
Mary, Port Erin, or the ferry between the two, at the 
south-western extremity of the main land, at which 
place there is a boat always stationed, and whence 
there appears to be not the slightest danger. The 
distance is very short, and the fare across and back is 
no more than 3s., whatever number the party may 
consist of. From Port Erin or Port-le-Mary, the fare 
to the Calf is 10s. To reach those places, on leaving 
Castletown, the visitor will pass Ballakaighin, Mrs. 
Quilliam, on the right; then Balladoole, Captain 
Woods, on the left ; near this estate is Poolvash Bay, 
where there is a fine quarry of black marble. On 
the beach there is a curious current of a large body of 
salt water, issuing from the rocks near high-water 
mark. It is as salt as the water of the ocean, and in 
quantity as large as would form a small rivulet, and is 
never diminished in the driest season, but from whence 
it proceeds is unknown. On the height between 
Balladoole house and the sea are the ruins of an 
ancient chapel, called Kiel Vael or Kirk Michael. 

Proceeding westward, we pass Kentraugh, the 
beautiful mansion of Edward Moore Gawne, Esq. 
the gardens of which are very extensive, and hoN 
house fruits are raised in greater perfection here than 
any where else in the Island. Opposite the house is 
a large warren, abounding in rabbits. A little further 



107 

on is Mount Gawne, the property of Mrs. Connell , 
soon after which we arrive at 

PORT LE MARY, 

which is a small fishing town, with a good natural 
harbour much improved and protected by the erection 
of a substantial stone pier of considerable extent, by 
the exertions of the late E. Gawne, Esq. A con- 
siderable quantity of lime is burnt here. 

The admirers of the wonderful works of nature, 
must be gratified and astonished by inspecting the 
rocks which here surround the coast, especially 
Spanish Head, a headland consisting of two pro- 
montories united together by a chain of perpendicular 
cliffs, averaging 300 feet in height, enclosing a bay, 
and exhibiting in the broken outline of its stupendous 
precipices, fragments detached from the coast, shoot- 
ing up into pinnacles, and deep chasms penetrating 
far inland the ravages of the devouring element. The 
grandeur of its scenery is enhanced by the black hue 
of the rocks. 

Leaving Port le Mary we pass Ballagawne, the 
seat of Mrs. Connell, and Kirk Christ Rushen, 
when we arrive at 

PORT ERIN, 

which derives its name from being opposite Ireland ; 
it is a pleasant village, and has a natural harbour ; 
Brada Head forms one side of it ; it is a stupendous 
pile of black rocks, second only to those of Spanish 
Head in grandeur. There are copper and lead mines 
at this place, but they are not much worked as the 



10S 

attention of the proprietors are principally directed to 
the Foxdale mines. 

If the weather be fine, the visitor cannot fail being 
delighted with a trip to that highly interesting spot 

THE CALF. 

The nearest and cheapest passage to which we have 
stated to be at the ferry; but, to the courageous 
tourist, who is a lover of bold and majestic scenery, 
and who heeds not a trifling expense, we recommend 
that he make the passage either from Port le Mary or 
Port Erin ; indeed, if he were to take a trip from 
both places he would be amply repaid, as it will prove 
somewhat difficult to decide which of the two exhibits 
the most striking grandeur. 

The sail from Port le Mary, along the western face 
of Spanish Plead, will astonish the tourist, by the 
varied sublime views presented to him of that noble 
headland. Indented as are both the eastern and 
western routes with numerous cavernous openings, 
we deem the latter unrivalled, in the possession of 
one vast cave, existing about half-way between Port 
le Mary and the Calf, which is not, or rather was 
not some ten or a dozen years ago, generally known 
to the boatmen on the station. The outer opening, 
or that nearest the Calf, could not well have escaped 
the observation of the adventurous fisherman ; but that 
there existed a passage for a boat through a great ex- 
tent of Spanish Head, (which, by the way, derives 
its name from some of the celebrated "Armada" 
ships being wrecked upon its rugged cliffs) was not 
generally known within the period specified. 



109 

A friend of ours, who has kindly favoured us with 
ft description of the cavern, had often visited the Calf 
with different boats' crews > accompanied by many in- 
telligent Manx gentry, but neither he nor they were 
aware of the fact, until, on one occasion, an experi- 
enced old man happening to be one of the hands, 
named the existence of this singular passage, which 
was not known to his fellow boatmen, and through it 
he and his friends accordingly went. Some years 
afterwards the same gentleman was again visiting the 
Calf, and desired the boatmen to pass through the 
opening, when, to his great surprise, not one of thera 
knew of its whereabout and even declared it impossible 
to exist concealed from their knowledge, as each had 
been bred and born upon the coast. The gentleman, 
however, being known to the boatmen, and having 
declared that he had passed through it himself, was 
desired to point out the opening, and accordingly took 
the party through, there being in fact not the smallest 
danger in perfectly smooth water ; though it would 
be madness to risk the attempt under any other cir- 
cumstances. 

The entrance is extremely narrow, not much ex- 
ceeding a boat's width ; after pushing in for some 
yards, the cavern becomes perfectly dark, and so con- 
tracted, though very lofty, as to bring the boat's sides 
almost in contact with the rock, in fact she must be 
guided along by shoving with the hands on either side. 
After passing in this mode for very many yards, a 
star-like appearance becomes visible at a great height 
over head, which is but the light breaking through a 
kind of eye in the rock ; towards this the adventurous 
h 



no 

tourist approaches, and when he arrives under it, he 
will find himself in a vast opening underneath Spanish 
Head, in a light as clear as noon-day ; the arch over 
his head towering to an enormous altitude, and the 
water underneath him many fathoms greater in depth, 
yet clear as crystal ; the outlet from thence cannot be 
mistaken, as the tourist can see his way throughout. 

The Calf is nearly five miles in circumference, and 
comprises an area of 600 acres, part of which is 
under cultivation ; it is the property of Mrs. Drink- 
water, whose late husband purchased it from the late 
Duke of Athol; it is in the occupation of Mr. Wm. 
Shepherd, who has fitted up a comfortable house, 
where visitors may be accommodated not only with 
refreshments, but with the use of fishing tackle and 
guns and ammunition, for the destruction of sea- 
fowl and rabbits, with which the Island abounds, 
nearly 1200 couple of the latter being killed, on the 
average, during the winter season. 

Falcons used to abound much in the Island, and 
Falconry, in all probability, was practised here, as 
the Lord was obliged to present a cast of them to the 
Monarch on his coronation ; besides which, the de- 
struction of them was prohibited by law. The Fal- 
cons of Mann were celebrated and exported, probably 
trained in the Island. There are still a few remain- 
ing ; and Lord Teignmouth accounts for this, by their 
most voracious enemies, foxes and <polecats, being 
unknown in the Island. Surely his Lordship cannot 
be serious ! ! 

Between the main land and the Calf is a small 
Island, called Kitterland, on which numbers of sheep 



Ill 

are fed ; on both sides of which little Island the tide 
runs with fearful rapidity, yet vessels of considerable 
burthen pass down the passage between it and the 
Calf. On the south side of the Calf is a very large 
mass of rocks, called the Barrow, in its form resem- 
bling a lofty tower, and separated from the other 
masses by an opening of romantic appearance : near 
it is another, called the Eye, from its resembling the 
eye of a needle. 

Its north-west coast is girt by a broad belt of rent 
and dislocated rocks, tumbled together in indescrib- 
able confusion, and by innumerable apertures of great 
depth, through w T hich the sea, when agitated by the 
violent gales from the opposite quarter, rushes with 
tremendous impetuosity. In point of rude magnifi- 
cence it can scarcely be matched in any part of the 
British coast. 

The southern extremity rises into deep majestic clifls> 
400 feet in height, on the top of which two hand- 
some lighthouses have been very advantageously erect- 
ed for the protection of vessels. Opposite these, at 
the distance of about a mile and a half, is a reef of 
rocks called the Chickens, which is covered at high- 
water, and presents a very dangerous obstacle to ves- 
sels, as the current of the ebb from the sound sets 
full upon it. There is also a conical rock called the 
Stack, the position of which is delineated in the map. 

Tradition says that the Calf has, at different times, 
been the retreat of two hermits. The first in the 
reign of Elizabeth, who imposed upon himself a 
residence in that dreary solitude, as a penance for hav- 
ing murdered a beautiful woman in a fit of jealousy. 



112 

In one of the recesses is a small circle of erect 
stones, which appears to have been the temple of some 
lonely hermit. 

" Perch'd on a cliff that awes the astounded sight? 
In darkness and in storm he found delight, 
Where angry billows rouse the fearful deep, 
And far below the foaming waters sweep." 

" And oft the craggy cliff he lov*d to climb, 
When, all in mist, the world below was lost ; 
What dreadful pleasure I there to stand sublime, 
Like shipwrecked mariner, on the desert coast ; 
And view the enormous waste of vapour toss'd 
In billows lengthening to the horizon round." 

The other a Mr. Thomas Bushel, who took up his 
residence upon the highest precipice, in the time of 
James the 1st, in order to try the experiment how far 
a life of severe abstinence would promote longevity. 
There is still an old ruin called Bushel's House; it 
bears the outline of a small building, apparently con- 
sisting of two rooms. The following is stated to be 
the cause of his retirement from the world : 

w The embrions of my mines proving abortive, by 
the fall and death of Lord Chancellor Bacon, in 
James's reign, were the motives which persuaded my 
pensive retirements to a three years solitude, in the 
desolate isle called the Calf of Mann, where, in obe- 
dience to my dead Lord's philosophical advice, I re- 
solved to make a perfect experiment upon myself, for 
the obtaining of a long and healthy life, most neces- 
sary for such a repentance as my former debauched^ 
ness required, by a parsimonious diet of herbs, oil, 
mustard, and honey, with water sufficient^ most like 



113 

to that of our long-lived fathers before the flood, ai 
was conceived by that lord ; which I most strictly 
observed, as if obliged by a religious vow, till Divine 
Providence called me to a more active life." 

Whether this extraordinary ascetic died in his melan- 
choly retreat, tradition gives us no certain information, 
but as there is a place called Bushel's grave, we are 
led to suppose that he did so. 

In returning, the tourist should visit Fairy Hill, a 
noble barrow, which tradition reports was raised to 
perpetuate the memory of Reginald, King of Mann, 
who, on this spot, was killed in single combat with 
Ivar ; but from its situation, and its summit being flat, 
and surrounded by a parapet, it is more likely to have 
been one of the fortified hills of the early age. 

On his return our tourist may either take the road 
to Douglas, or proceed to Peel ; if he select the 
former, he can accomplish it without any further in- 
structions from us ; if the latter, he will pass Balla- 
gawne and Ballachurry, both seats of Edw. Gawne^ 
Esq. At the latter place may be seen, on the pillars 
of the entrance gate, two immense cannon balls, 
bearing the following inscription : — " Fired into His 
Majesty's ship Superb, while passing the Dardanelles, 
in 1806. " Also, Bell Abbey, that of A. Dawson, Esq. 
then Colby ; after which the pretty village of Arbory, 
which derives its name from having once abounded 
with trees ; then Parville, the handsome villa of G. 
Quirk, Esq. ; a little further on, Kirk Malew, and 
the limestone quarries ; three miles beyond which, 
considerably to the right of the road, is St. Mark's 
Chapel ; then passing between the mountains of South 



114 

Barule and Cordoman, he will arrive at the Foxdale 
Mines, which are described at page 48 ; and at about 
three miles further he will fall into the road at Balla- 
craine. 

THIRD DAY'S EXCURSION, 

To the northern part of the Island ; the first part of 
the road to which, viz. to St. John's, our tourist is 
well acquainted with ; at that place he will turn to 
the right, and proceed through a deep and solitary 
glen, and then ascend a steep tiresome hill, of more 
than a mile in length, called Craig Willie's Hill, 
after which the country possesses no attraction for 
several miles ; but as the beautiful village of 

KIRK MICHAEL 

is approached the scenery is greatly improved, and 
several pleasant cottages meet the view. At the en- 
trance to the village is a small Court-house, in which 
the Northern Deemster occasionally transacts business, 
nearly adjoining which is the Crown and Mitre, a 
comfortable hotel, kept by Mr. Stacey Gee, an agri- 
culturist to a great extent ; the tourist will experience 
from the fascinating hostess, and every one under her 
control, the most polite and attentive consideration. 
Kirk Michael is a place, independent of the beautiful 
scenery around it, interesting, as having been the 
borne scene of Bishop Wilson's active benevolence 
for more than half a century. 

The Church is nearly in the centre of the village ; 
it is a newly erected building, being one of those 
raised principally from funds obtained for the purpose 



115 

in England, by the late Bishop Ward and the Rev, 
Hugh »S to well. There are no records to prove when 
the old church was built, but the register begins in 
1611. The first thing which attracts attention in the 
Church-yard is the plain tomb to the memory of 
Bishop Wilson, for a description of which seepage 18. 
In and near the church-yard are various stones and 
monumental relics, on which are chiselled numerous 
devices of horses, riders, dogs, and stags, with runic 
characters, which being differently translated by 
various antiquarians, we decline inserting, but substi- 
tute instead the following lines of Southey : 

" Thus o'er some antique ruin, time defaod, 
The sons of science oft delight to stray, 

To trace the inscription on the desert waste, 
And pierce time's dark veil by its lucid ray. 

" But vain the labours of th' enquiring sage, 
If thence the mind no moral truth sublimes ; 

Nor learns from heroes of a distant age, 

To love their virtues, and to shun their crimes." 

Bishops Hildesley, Mason, and Crigan, were also 
buried in this church-yard. 

The vicarage house is pleasantly situated at the end 
of the village, the present incumbent is the Rev. J. 
Brown, the Episcopal Registrar. 

About one mile from Kirk Michael is the Episcopal 
palace, or 

bishop's court. 

The arms of the Bishoprick are, on three as- 
cents the Virgin Mary 3 her arms extended between 



116 

two pillars ; on the dexter, a church ; in base the 
ancient arms of Mann. 




<ar^ 



The Bishop's Palace is a very ancient residence, 
being mentioned in history so early as the thirteenth 
century. The demesne is extensive, being about 
six hundred acres. The edifice is surrounded with 
venerable trees, planted by Bishop Wilson. The 
gardens are enclosed with lofty walls ; richly clothed 
with the choicest fruit trees, in their most luxuriant 
state ; from one part of the premises there is a pic- 
turesque view of great extent and beauty. The man- 
sion has been enlarged and modernized by different 
diocesans, particularly by Bishop Murray. 

In the grounds are two posts, erected in 1760, by 
the then Bishop (Hildesley) to commemorate a victory 
obtained by Captain Elliot, over Admiral Thurot, off 
the coast ; the contest having been witnessed by the 
Bishop, he caused those stones to be erected to com- 
memorate the glorious achievement. Capt. Elliot, in 
a ship of 32 guns P and 200 men, captured the French 



117 

Admiral's ship of 50 guns and 600 men, and the 
Admiral was killed in the action. Several other ships 
were taken, and carried triumphantly into Ramsey 
Bay. Two prints of this celebrated action were 
drawn and engraved, one dedicated to Capt. Elliot, 
the other to the merchants of Liverpool. 
About a mile from Bishop's Court is 

BALLAUGH, 

which is one of the most populous villages in the 
Island. A new church has also been recently erected 
in this parish, out of the funds collected for the pur- 
pose in the parent country ; it is capable of containing 
seven hundred sittings ; the present incumbent is the 
worthy and pious Thomas Howard. 

The venerable Hugh Stowell, whose remains are 
deposited by the side of his amiable and beloved wife 
in Lonan church-yard, was for many years the; highly 
esteemed rector of this parish ; — a man who, when 
living, was " full of the Holy Ghost and of Faith," 
and who by the eloquence of his preaching and the 
goodness of his cause, raised upwards of £4000 in 
England, in the course of the summer, 1829. Several 
of his children had been previously consigned to the 
bosom of their creator in this church yard. Of him 
the Island poetess, Miss Nelson, says : — 

One by one, 



He laid them in the churchyard. The gay band 
Of young rejoicing beings they did pass 
Briefly and uncomplainingly away, 
Unto an early grave amid the plains. 
Yea, those young spirits in their purity 



118 

Flash'd forth such coruscations ere their close, 
As made hearts dream of years of blessedness. 
But the Invisible had even then raised 
Death's cold extinguisher, and they went out 
In their bright spring of glory. Human hopes 
And flowers have a brief lifetime : — and the power 
That withers violets had breath'd on them, 
And they were laid in their unshadow'd youth 
Beside their own dear moss-clad sanctuary. 
The pious man — that old bereaved gray man, 
Liv'd on in thankfulness amid his flock. 
The old church moulder'd, and the wintry winds 
In warring o'er it shook its feeble strength. 
A new fane rose. Proudly it tower'd on high 
For a new generation ; proudly smil'd 
Above the fallen. The old man died then. 

His son, the celebrated Hugh Stowell, of Sal ford, 
near Manchester, is a pillar of the church in these 
needful times. It is near this village where the 
heads, horns, and skeletons of the gigantic antedilu- 
vian elks have been found as mentioned in page 45. 

About two miles north of Ballaugh is the parish of 
Jurby; the church stands on very high ground from 
which there is a peculiarly fine view of the three 
kingdoms. Jurby point, which will he seen on the 
map, is about a quarter of a mile from the church. 
Immense trunks of oak and fir have been dug up in 
this parish, and hazle nuts have been found in good 
preservation which afford matter of surprise and 
astonishment. 

By continuing this road the tourist will arrive at 

KIRK BRIDE, 

which is the most northern parish in the Island, 
and but a short distance from the Point of Ayre. — 



119 

Near the road is a high mount surrounded with 
stones, called Crone ye bollei, a sepulchral tumulus, 
where 



" In his narrow bouse 



Some warrior sleeps below : his gallant deeds 
Haply at many a solemn festival 
The bard has harped ; but perish'd is the song 
Of praise, as, o'er these bleak and barren downs 
The wind that passes, and is heard no more." 

In the church yard is a .^tone without any engrav- 
ing; on seeing which a gentleman wrote extempore 
the following stanzas : — ■ 

Here lies, whom no superb inscriptions grace, 



No splendid pile, no mausoleum near, 
To speak these ashes born of noble race : 

Th' unletter'd stone shews humble nature here. 

Perhaps thou wert some faithful honest soul, 
Though poverty and pain had sorely press'd ; 

Perhaps no sordid views could e'er controul, 
Or keep thy little from a friend distress'd. 

Perhaps thou wert some genius uureveal'd, 
Some Newton, or some favourite of the muse : 

Alas ! that cruel penury conceaPd, 
And meanly conquer'd, nature's noble views. 

Perhaps thou wert an unknown wanderer here, 
Whom better lot had marked in earlier years ; 

But adverse fortune gave a stroke severe, 
And left thee to depart in beggar's tears. 

Too oft 'tis merit's fate to be distress'd ! 

But still thou would'st not unlamented die; 
The tender heart would pity as it pass'd, 

The feeling muse would turn and heave a sigh ! 

About a mile from Bride toward Ramsey is 



120 

ANDREAS, 

the beautiful residence of the venerable Archdeacon 
Hall ; it is a rectory in the gift of the Crown. There 
is an ancient fort behind Mr. Christian's, at Balla- 
churry which is esteemed a great curiosity. There is 
also an ancient cross or monument in the church yard 
with runic characters which Mr. Beaufort has thus 
decyphered and translated : 

" Sona ulf sqi Svandti raisti crus dono Aftirarin finiue 
Cunna sina." 

" The son of Ulf of the Swedti (or Swedes) erected this 
Cross to the warrior Afterarin the son of Cunna." 

As we branched off at Ballaugh, we will again re- 
sume our route from that village, and on our way to 
Ramsey, pass through the village of 

SULBY, 

in which is a beautiful Glen. The soil is fertile, and 
the produce abundant. Proceeding onward, we pass 
by the church of 

LEZAYRE, 

which is another religious edifice erected out of funds 
raised in England for building Churches. From 
Sulby bridge to Ramsey, the base of the mountains 
is prettily wooded, and adorned with many pleasant 
country residences, amongst which is Milntown, the 
elegant seat of Deemster Christian. 

RAMSEY. 

is a pleasantly-situated town ; the streets are clean and 
well paved, and the houses are respectable. There is 



121 

a good inn, kept by Mr. Josiah Heelis, where every 
comfortable accommodation may be had. The north- 
ern Deemster holds his court in this town, for whose 
convenience a very neat Court-house has been 
built. The town and harbour have been greatly im- 
proved lately, and improvement is still progressing. 
The bay is spacious, and the anchorage good. The 
harbour will admit vessels of 100 tons. Much corn 
and agricultural produce are exported from this town. 
A chapel, dedicated to St. Paul, is situated in the 
Market place ; it was erected in 1819, by subscrip- 
tion, with a grant of £300 from the Incorporated 
Society for the enlargement of Churches. 

About a mile from Ramsey, on the Douglas road, 
on a knoll at the foot of the mountain range, em- 
bosomed in trees of dark foliage, is one of those 
ancient remnants of rustic piety which are now fast 
crumbling to decay, and giving place to others of 
more substantial construction and larger dimensions. 

" FalTn fabrick ! pondering o'er thy time trac'd walls, 
Thy mould'ring, mighty, melancholy state ; 
Each object to the musing mind recalls 
The sad vicissitudes of varying fate." 

A little further on, at the foot of Ballure bridge, is a 
pleasant, agreeable walk along the umbrageous glen 
of Claughbane, the residence of Wm. Christian, Esq.; 
After ascending the hill, by leaving the lofty moun- 
tain of South Barule on the right hand, and taking 
the shore road, the tourist will pass the villas of 
Folieu, Bell Vue, and Lewaigue, and come to a stone 
of considerable antiquity six feet high, three wide, 
and five inches thick, with five raised balls on it, 

M 



122 

supposed to be Danish. Passing onward he will 
arrive at 

KIRK MAUGHOLD. 

Tn the church-yard is a beautiful pillar, of which 
the annexed plate is a representation. 




123 

Maughold is in a hollow, within the midst of an 
extensive cemetery; a dreary but romantic spot. The 
church is 72 feet long, and only 17 broad. The font 
is very large, evidently made for the total immersion 
of the infant. 

The parish and headland derive their appellation 
from one of the earliest events in Manx history on 
record; viz. the landing of St. Maughold on this 
coast, cast ashore in a leathern boat, his feet and 
hands in manacles. This headland and the Point of 
Ayre enclose Ramsey bay. Beneath the head, under 
some moss clad rocks, is a deep spring, formerly much 
celebrated for its supposed medicinal virtues. 

At Ballaglas, about three miles further, and nearly 
a mile seaward from the road, there is a very pretty 
waterfall, beautifully wooded, which, if the party have 
leisure, will be well worth visiting; and on the top of 
the cultivated rising ground, nearly south-west, there 
is a Druidical circle, to which, till very lately, some 
ruins called Castle-ri-Orry, Castle of King Orry, 
were attached. 

About seven miles from Ramsey the tourist will 
arrive at the small village of 

LAXEY, 

in the parish of Lonan, near which Snafield rears its- 
venerable head. 

" Magnificent is Snafield, — from its height 
The eye can wander o'er a vast extent 

Of vale and mountain, tinted sunny bright, 
In which all glorious hues are richly blent." 

It is somewhat difficult to ascend, but when the brow 
be attained, a bursting prospect spreads around upon. 



124 

the astonished eye, which rolls over the ocean, em- 
bracing numerous objects of interest, unrivalled in 
Great Britain. 

Laxey Glen is deserving of notice for the roman- 
tic beauty of its scenery ; a short way up it is a paper 
mill, and considerably beyond that the lead mines, 
described in page 49. 

At some distance on the road to Douglas, are 
twelve stones, placed in an oval form ; just without 
the oval are two others, six feet high, one of which 
is cloven from top to bottom ; the whole are erected 
on a mound of earth four feet high ; the annexed 
cut will give the visitor some idea of it. 




Between this spot and Onchan there is nothing worthy 
of notice, and that parish is described in folio 89. 



Having conducted the tourist round the Island, and 
pointed out every thing worthy inspection, we now 
terminate our labour, and hope that the little work 
will prove a source of rational amusement, and inter- 



esting information to the visitor 



DOUGLAS DIRECTORY 



We purposed, at first, confining oui Directory to the " Tradespeople," 
but have been induced to add the members of the different Professions. 



ADVOCATES. 

Bluett, J. C. St. Barnabas' 
Square. 

C'raigie, L. Athol Street. 

Dumbeil, G. W. St. George's 
Street. 

Fleetwood, E. C. Parade. 

Haining, T. Athol Street. 

Head, E. G. Mucklesgate. 

Howard, T. North Quay. 

Kelly, Robert, Fort Street. 

Kelly, R. J. Fort Street. 

Quirk, James, H.B., St. Bar- 
nabas' Square. 

Stephen and Quirk, Market 
Place. 

Wilson, Sen. St. Barnabas' 
Square. 

ARCHITECT. 
Robinson, J. Athol Street. 

AUCTIONEERS. 
Armstrong*, J. Market Place. 
Dixon, W. Parade. 
Jones, R. Fort Street. 
Lane, L. Factory Lane. 

BAKERS. 
Boscow, N. Church Street. 
Bridson T. James's Street. 
Bridson, R. Great Nelson St. 
Cain, E. Sand Street. 
Cain, — Duke's lane. 
Cavendish W. James' St. 



Christian, W. Sand Street. 
Clague, T. Great Nelson Str. 
Corkhill, E. Bigwell Street. 
Cottle, — Kins: Street. 
Craughan, J. Sand Street. 
Graves, Mrs. New Bond St. 
Kinrade, H. Chapel Row. 
Lawson, E. King Street. 
Curphey, W. Chapel Row. 
Moore, S. Lord Street 
Moore, W. King Street. 
Quinn & Co. Bigwell street. 
Shimmin, R. Sand Street. 
Stevenson, J. King Street. 
Thompson, — Factory Lane. 

RANKERS. 
Dickie, Wm. (Commercial), 

Prospect Hill. 
Forbes, Edw. (Joint Stock), 

North Quay. 
Holmes, J. South Quay. 

BILLIARDS. 
Castle Mona Hotel. 
York Hotel, Parade. 

BLACKSMITHS. 
Bridson, C. Sand Street 
Cottier, W. Parade. 
Costain, — Castle Street. 
Gelling, Mrs. Market Place. 
Lewthwaite, J. Bridge. 
Lewin C. North Quay. 
Quayle, T. Queen Street. 
Stephen. J. Church Street. 



128 



BOOKSELLERS. 
Cain, J. Great George Str. 
Dillon, W. North Quay. 
Jefferson, G. Duke Street. 
Quiggin, J. North Quay. 

BOOKBINDERS. 
Cain, J. Great George strt. 
Dillon, W. North Quay. 
Stewart, R. Church street. 

BOOT AND SHOEMAKERS. 
Braid, Jos. Market Place. 
Cain, R. Duke Street. 
Careful, W. Gt. George St. 
Clague, T. Fancy Street. 
Collister, E, King Street. 
Cornish, W. Sand Street. 
Corran, W. Lord Street. 
Corlett, J. Great. Nelson Str. 
Cubbon, J. Thomas street. 
Gelling, T. Sand street. 
Gick, W. James Street. 
Holme, T. Duke Street. 
Kelly, R. Lord Street. 
Kelly, J. Duke Street. 
Kermode, J. Duke Street. 
King, W. Great Nelson Str. 
Quiggin, James, Church St. 
Quiggin, John, Do. 
Taggart, W. James Street. 
Tate, — Prospect Hill. 
Ward, J. Duke Street. 
Woods, R. Fancy Street. 
BREWERS. 

Best and Co. Castle Hill. 

Garrett and Son, Back St. 

Kayll, J. Castle Street. 

Kelly, W. Bigwell Street. 

Killey, P. Castle Street. 

Radcliffe, J. Back Street. 
BUILDERS. 

Cain, R. Wellington Square. 

Carran & Quiggin, Prospect 
Hill. 

Christian, J. Sand Street. 

Cowin, E. & D. Prospect H, 



Cowle. J. North John street.- 
Morrison, J. Finch Road. 
Robinson, J. & H. Athol St. 
Thorbonrne, W. Victoria PI. 
Kelly, J.Wellington Square. 

BUTCHERS. 
Astnell, Walter, Church st. 
Davis, H. Duke street. 
Douglas, J. Water-lane. 
Hampton, J. Fancy street. 
Moore, J. Sand street 
Quayle, P. James street. 
Redfern, T. Do. 
Redfern, G. Duke street. 
Sayle, W. Sand street. 

Spencer, — Sand street.. 
T>are, J. Duke street. 

Kewley, H: Fort street. 
CABINET MAKERS. 

Bell, J. Castle street. 

Cleator, C. North Quay. 

CowJe, T. Lord street. 

Edgar & Caley, Prospect hill. 

Maxwell, J. Athol street. 

Moore, P. Peel road. 

CARVER & GILDER. 

Cashen, P. South Quay. 

CHEMISTS & DRUGGISTS. 

Atkinson, W. Duke street, 

Buttervvorth, — North Quay. 

Corrin R. H. Duke street. 

Gell, W. Quay. 

Kelly, R. G. Market Place. 

Moore & Co. Market Place. 
CHINA, GLASS, &C. 

Ormerod, P. Duke street. 

Swales, Thomas, Fort street. 

Thompson, W. H. Duke st. 
COACH BUILDERS. 

Bell,W. Fort street. 

Cannell & Perry, Castle st. 

Dale, J. & Co. Parade. 
CONFECTIONERS. 

Callow, Miss, Duke street. 

Christian, W. Sand street 



127 



Greaves Mr*. New Bond st. 
Jordan, Mrs. Lord street. 
Oates, Miss E. Gt George 

street. 
Shipley, J. Duke street. 
COAL FACTORS. 
Clague, N. Sand street. 
Hogg, John, North Quay. 
Torrance Gavin, Duke street. 

COOK SHOP. 
Hamilton, J. Duke street. 
CORN CHANDLERS. 
Boscow, N. Church street. 
Whiteside, H. South Quay. 

DRAPERS. 
Cubbin, Messrs. Duke street. 
Hallawell, — King street. 
Harris, S. Custom house quay 
Luckman, F. Lord street. 
Nowlin, Wm. Duke street. 
Smith, Mrs. Duke street. 
Stephen & Kissack, Duke st. 
Wilson, Messrs. Duke street. 
Wood, M. Duke street. 
DRESSMAKERS. 
Cannell, Miss, Moore's place. 
Caren, Miss, John street. 
Cain, Miss, Bigwell street. 
Crebbin, Miss, Duke street. 
Clague, Mrs. Shaw's Brow. 
Clarke, Miss, Drumgold strt. 
Collister, Mrs. Church street. 
Cottier, Mrs. George street. 
Cowley, Miss, Fairy ground. 
Craughan, Miss, Sand street. 
Fenton, Miss, George st. 
Hey wood, Miss, Factory lane. 
Healis, Miss, Church street. 
Iuche, Misses, Hanover st. 
Kennaugh, Misses, Queen st. 
Kerruish, Miss, Church st. 
Killey, Mrs. Athol street. 
Kneale, Mrs. Drumgold st. 
Kneale, Miss J. Wellington 
square. 



Kewley, Miss, Hanover st. 
Lewin, Miss, Fancy street. 
Morrison, Miss, Mucklesgate. 
Quayle, Miss, St. George's P. 
Quayle, Miss, Victoria place. 
Qiliggin Miss, James st. 
Quirk, Miss, Cambrian PI. 
Smith, Miss, Shaw's Brow. 
Stephen, Misses, Gt. George 

street. 
Tattersall, Misses. Athol st. 
Watterson, Miss Factory lane 
Wallace, Misses, Sand street. 
White, Miss, North John st. 

DYERS. 
Grandin, S. Church street. 
Wright, G. Great Nelson st. 

GLOVERS. 
Bevan, J. Duke street. 
Kewin, T. Factory lane. 

GREEN GROCERS. 
Jolly, John, Peel Road. 
M'Clean, Mrs. Sand street. 
Preston, Mrs. Post Office L. 
GROCERS, WINE AND 
SPIRIT DEALERS. 
Marked thus * are also Pro- 
vision Dealers. 
*Boscow, N. Lord street. 
*Cain, D. New Bond street. 
Calvin, J. Duke street. 
Clarke, A. King street. 
Clarke, J. Quay. 
Cowen, T. Church street. 
Clague, N. Sand street. 
Clague, Mrs. Chapel Row. 
Crebbin, Messrs. Duke street. 
Craughan, Miss, Duke street 
Duff, W. k Co. Duke street, 
Duff, R. Market place. 
♦Fell J. Castle street. 
Gelling, E. New Bond street. 
Heelis, L. & S. Chapel Row. 
Hogg* J- North quay. 
•Killey, J. Queen street. 



128 



*Killip, — Church street. 
Laurence, H. Duke street. 
♦Laurence, H. Sand street. 
Lewin, James, Duke street. 
•Magtath, J. Duke street. 
*Moore P. Sand street. 
*RadcIiife, J. Sand street. 
*Roney, R. Duke street. 
Roskell, R. & J. Market pi. 
•Shimrain, R. Great Nelson 

street. 
Torrance, G. & Co. Duke st. 
Thompson, W. H. Duke st. 
"Thompson, W. H. Sand st. 

GUNSMITH. 
Killey, P. Lord street. 

HAIR DRESSERS. 
Brew, R. Quay. 
Cubbon, R. James's street. 
Fielding", J. North Quay. 
Hampton, — Sand street. 
Kewley, C. Factory lane. 
Moore, J. New Bond street. 
Owen, R. Quaj'. 
Sloan, W. Duke street. 
Younghusband, J. James st. 

HATTERS. 
Callow, T. Lord street. 
Cannell, R. King street. 
Kerruish, J. Duke street. 
Kinrade, T. Queen street. 
Luckman, F. Lord street. 

HERRING CURERS. 
Holmes, J. South quay. 
Hogg, J. North quay. 
Stowell, H. Post Office lane. 
Quiggin, W. & Co. Bridge, 

HORSE SHOER. 
Wilson, — Fort street. 
See also Blacksmiths. 
HOTELS. 
Crelley, T. (King's Arms,) 

Church street. 
Heron, G. (Castle Mona). 
M'Kenzie, J; (York), Parade. 



Nelson, J. (British) Market p! . 
Poole, W. (Albion), Parade, 
Robinson, (late RedfernY), 

James street. 
Scruton, W. (late Cloke's), 

Crescent. 
Statham, T. (Victoria) Quay. 

INNS. 
Braid, T. Moore's Court. 
Cain, P. Queen street. 
Lewis W. Mueklcsgate. 
Miller, Mrs. Drune's lane. 
Lane, L. Factory Lane. 
Saqui, J. Steam-packet quay. 

INSURANCE AGENTS. 
Clark, A. (Union), King st. 
Cleator, C. (West Middlesex;, 

North quay. 
Dickie, Wis. "(Caledonian), 

Prospect Hill. 
Dickenson, J. (Pelican, &c.) 

Stanley Terrace. 
Duggan, J. (Marine), Quay. 
Harris, J. (Standard Life As- 
surance,) Mount Pleasant. 
Moore, James & Son, (Sun), 

Factory lane, 
Whiteside, H. (Clerical, &c), 

South Quay. 
IRON FOUNDER. 
Gelling-, Mrs. South quay. 

IRON MONGERS. 
Gelling, Mrs. Market place. 
Ormerod, P. Duke street. 
Shear wood, R. Duke street. 

JEWELLERS. 

Lemon, A. & M. Duke street. 

See also watchmakers. 

LAND SURVEYORS. 
. Blake* J. Post Office Lane. 
Corteen, R. Peel Road. 
Jefferson andKayll, Duke st 

LIVERY STABLES. 
Braid, T. James Street. 
Cain* P. Queen Street. 



120 



Dale, J. and C**. Parade. 
Hensley, — Cattle Mbua. 
Hunter, J. Prospect Hill. 
Jo wilt, G. South Quay. 
Oniric, P. Great Nelson Street. 
Robinson, — Fort Street. 
Starkey, P. Sand Street. 

LODGING HOUSES. 
Andrew, J. Stanley Terrace. 
Bate in an, Mrs. Prospect Hill. 
Brittain, John, MonaTer. 
Callow, G. Duke Street. 
Cancel!, R. Great Nelson St. 
Car ran, W. J. IV! on a Terrace. 
Claque, T. Great Nelson St. 
('ebb, Mrs. Castle Street. 
Cot teen, R. Peel Road. 
Cowle, R. Lord Street. 
Crctney, J. Athol Terrace. 
Creer, Mrs. Athol street. 
Cubbon, Mrs. King- Street. 
Curphey, Mrs. North Quay. 
Curphey, J. Thomas Street. 
Curpli ey , Miss, M o n a Terr ac p . 
Curphey, — Great Nelson St. 
Currin, Miss, Quay. 
Davis, John, Peel Road. 
Duff, Mrs. Finch Road. 
Edgar, Edward, Athol street. 
Ferguson, Capt. South Quay. 

Garrett, J. Castle Lawn. 

Gawne, Mrs. James Street. 

Gell, R. New Bond street. 

Greaves, Mrs. Mona Terrace. 

Hannah, Miss, Castle Lawn. 

Harrison, Mrs. Hanover St. 

Hart, Mrs. Athol Street. 

Howarth, R. Thomas Street. 

Imeson, C. Stanley Terrace. 

Jolly, J. Peel Road. 

Kelly, Mrs. Mona Terrace. 

Kennaugh, Misses, Queen St. 

Kermode, J. Duke's Lane. 

Kerruish, J. Duke street. 

Kneale, J. Crooked Lane. 

Kneale, D, Great George st. 



Laurence, Mrs. Duke street. 
Maxwell, J. Mona Terrace. 
Meldau, Mrs. North Quay. 
Moore, Mrs. Sand street. 
Moore. Miss, Athol street. 
M'Qailliftit, Mrs. i"i^\ Road. 
Gates, R. Athol street, 
Pearson, Mrs. South Quay. 
Penrice, J. South Quay. 
Quayie, Miss, St. George pi. 
Quine, Mrs. Gt. George st. , 
Red fern, J. Athol street. 
Sandford, N. Mona Terrace. 
Steward, E. Factory Lane. 
Tattersali, Mrs. Athol street. 
Tear, Mrs. Athol street. 
Vernon, W. H. Crescent. 
Walls, W. New Bond street. 
Whiteside, H. South Quay. 
White, J. Mount Pleasant" 
Williams, Mrs. Parade. 

MERCHANTS. 
Ducrsran, J. Quay, (Wines, 

Spirits and Tea J , 
Fleetwood, E. North Quay, 

(Wines, Spirits, and Tea.) 
Green, H. Parade, (Wines, 

Spirits and Tea,) 
Karris, S. Quay, (Wines, 

Spirits and Tea.) 
Jefferson, G. Duke street, — 

(Wines, Spirits and Tea.) 
Matthews and Son, Quay, — 

(Wines, Spirits, and Tea.) 
Moore, and Co. Bridge, — 

(Timber, &c.) 
Quiggin, W. and Co. Bridge, 

(Timber, &fcL) 
Spittall, A. New Bond street, 

(Wines, Spirits and Tea.) 
MILLERS. 
Boscow, A. Church street, 
Dalrymple, J. Union Mills. 
Donaldson, R. Bailaughton. 
Lewin, R. Corrau's Mill. - 
Tate, J, Nunnery Mill; 



130 



MILLINERS AND STRAW 
BONNET MAKERS. 
Marked thus * sell Toys. 
Bonny man, Miss, Athol st. 
Cain, Misses. John street. 
Cain, Miss, Great Georges st. 
Callow, Miss, N. John street. 
Carran, Misses. Fancy street. 
Clark, Misses, Sand street. 
Claras, Miss, Castle street. 
*('oole, Mrs. Lord street. 
*Craughan, Miss, Duke street. 
Corran, Miss, Duke street. 
Cretney, Miss, Athol Place. 
Cunin. Miss, Quay. 
Currin, Mrs. John street. 
Davies. Mrs. Sand street. 
*Hart, Miss, Duke street. 
Kelly, Miss, Church street. 
Lane, Misses, Well Road. 
*Lewthwaite, Miss, Duke st. 
Meldau, Miss, North Quay. 
Nicholson, Mrs. Sand street. 
Quiggin, Mrs. King street. 
Quilliam, Miss, John street. 
*Robertson, Miss, Doke st. 
Stewart, Misses, Church st. 
*Taggart, Misses, Duke strt. 
Tate, Mrs. Sand street. 

MINISTERS. 
Ashworth, J. (P. Methodist), 

Duke street. 
Brown, R. (Kirk Braddan), 

Braddan. 
Cannell, J. (St. Matthew's), 

Stephen's place. 
Cannell, John, (Methodist), 

fiew Bond street. 
Carpenter, Wm. (St. Barna- 
bas'), Finch Road. 
Drake, T. R. (Curate ditto), 

Gt. Georges street. 
Craine, E. (Kirk Onchan), 

Onchan. 
Hartwell, F. (St. George's), 
Piacb Road. 



Day, F. M. (Curate ditto), 

Finch Road. 
Raining, S. (Independent), 

Athol street. 
Heys, Robert, (Methodist), 

Harris Terrace. 
Jobling, T. (P. Methodist), 

Athol Court. 
M'Lean, W. (Scotch Kirk), 

Finch Road. 
Magrath, P. (R. Catholic), 

Athol street. 
Stevenson, Henry, (Mariner's 
Church)? Harris Terrace. 
MUSEUM. 
Wallace, J.R. George street. 

NEWSPAPERS. 
See page 71. 

PAINTERS AND GLAZIERS. 
Bell, C. Fort Street. 
Caren, J. Prospect Hill. 
Crellv, T. Church street. 
Fell and Son, Peel Road. 
Gell, Matthew, South Quay. 
Gill & Nicholson, Church st* 
Hudson, C. Fort street. 
Quilleash and Kaye, North 
Quay. 

PHYSICIANS. 
Cookson, — Castle Lawn. 
Hulme, J. H. Finch Road. 
Hutchinson, — Finch Road. 

PLASTERERS. 
Garrett, J. Castle Lawn. 
Moore, R. Duke street. 
M'Kenzie, W. Prospect Hill. 
Tyson, T. Shaw's Brow. 

PLUMBERS. 
Adams, G. Hanover street. 
Gelling, Mrs. Market place 
Wallace, Henry, George's st. 

PRINTERS. 
See page 71. 

PROFESSORS. 
Biffi, S. (Piano Forte,) Strang. 



131 



Davis, J. (Organ & Piano,) 
Athol street, 

Webbe, J. (Piano, Singing 1 , 
&c.) Finch Road. 

Williss, Miss, (Piano & Sing- 
ing-,) Finch Road. 

PROVISION DEALERS. 
See also Grocers and Bakers. 
Anderson, T. Drumgold st. 
Bevan, J. Duke street. 
Covvle, E. Sand street. 
Curphey, P. Hanover street. 
Egan, W. Duke street, 
Kelly, Miss, Drumgold st. 
Kelly, — Great Nelson st. 
Kneale, — Drumgold street. 
Muncaster, Mrs. Factory lane 
Moore, N. King* street. 
Saurey, M. Bigwell street. 
Shirnmin, R. Sand street. 
Shimmin, Miss, Fancy street. 

PUBLICANS. 
Baines, W. Parade. 
Bell, Mrs. Duke street. 
Bridson, — Quay. 
Callow, W. Peel Road. 
Christian, Mrs New Bond st. 

Clarke, T. Quay. 

Clague, J. King- street. 

Clague, J. Drurie's lane. 

Cowen, T. Duke street. 

Cowen, W. Sand street. 

Cowen, Thomas, Chapel row. 

Cowell, J. Sand street. 

Crellin, John Mueklesgate. 

Cubbon, Miss, Post Office P. 

Dixon, Mrs. Quayle's lane. 

Edwards, John, Sand street. 

Fell, Mrs. Hanover street. 

Forster, G. Big well street. 

Gell, M. South Quay. 

Gelling, Thos. Chapel row. 

Hennedy, M. Quay. 

Hensley, — Castle Mona 
Lodge. 

Kelly, W. Drumgold street. 



Kelly, J. Quay. 
Kinrade, T. Queen street. 
Lowe, Thomas, Mueklesgate, 
Lowe, A. Gt Nelson street. 
Mitchell, — North Quay, 
Mylrea, Mrs. New Bond st. 
M'Clelland. — Queen street. 
Proctor, J. Lord street. 
Redfern, W. Quay. 
Robinson, Mrs. King street. 
Sayle, — Sand street. 
Seddons, S. Quay. 
Skiilicorn, J. Lord street.' 
Skillirorn, Mrs. Fairy ground 
Spring, Mrs. ditto. 
Starkey, P. Sand street. 
Stephen J. Church street. 
Taubman, C. James street. 
Tatlock, J. Bigwell street. 
Topliss, W. North Quay. 
Wallace, Mrs. Sand street. 
White, J. Queen street. 
Younghusband, J. Quay. 

ROPERS. 
Aiken, J. & Co. Woodbourne. 
Craughan, A. Duke street. 
Moore and Co. Bridge. 
Quiggin and Co. Bridge. 

SADDLERS. 
Corran, W. King street. 
Cubbon, J. Market Place. 
Kennaugh, C. Sand street. 

SAIL MAKERS. 
Aiken, J. and Co. Baths. 
Kermode and Co. Quay. 
Moore, P. North Quay. 

SHIP-BUILDERS. 
Aiken, J. and Co. Baths. 
Moore and Co. Bridge. 
Quiggin, W. & Co. Bridge. 
Williamson, — Tongue. 
STEAM PACKET AGENTS. 
See page 67* 

SURGEON'S. 
Elliott, — Athol street, 



132 



Garrett & Harrison, Athol sjt. 
Greer, — Athol street. 
Nelson, T. Quay. 
Oswald, II. H. Finch Road. 
Quine, W. Church street. 
Sayle, — Athol street. 
Scarff, H. Athol street. 
Spencer, F. H. Athol street. 
. TAILORS. 
Marked thus * are also 
Drapers. 
*Carran, J. Duke street. 
*€reer, W. Duke street. 
Cain, R. Lord street. ' 
Cain, T. Muckies' Gate. 
Cain, D. Lord street. 
Cain, J. Thomas street. 
Cretney, J. Thomas street. 
Curphey, J. Thomas street. 
Gamhel, J. Sand street. 
*Hales, J. Duke street. 
Kelly, R. Factory lane- 
Kelly, — Sand street. 
*Kerruish, IJ. Duke street. 
*Kneale, J. Duke street. 
Kneale, H. Barrack street. 
^Morrison, G. Lord street. 
TALLOW CHANDLERS. 
HaininpT, J. Prospect Hill. 
Kelly, W. Hanover street. 

TANNERS. 
Sevan, J. Well Road. 
Cain, T. Finch Road. 
Corran, Mrs. Thomas street. 
Craine, C. King street. 
Gell, R. Back street. 
Kennangn, C. Sand street. 
Killey, P, North John street. 

TEACHERS. 
Armstrong-, Mrs. Market Pla. 
CanViell, Rev. J. Woodbourne 

Terrace, (Grammar.) 
Cannell, C. Bath Place. 
Christians Miss, B. Castle st. 
Cool, Mrs. North John street, 

(Infant.) 



Corteen, R. Peel Road. 
Costain, Miss, Athol street, 
Cretney, J. Athol street, — 

(National.) 
Cubbon, W. Post Oiliee Place. 
Cubbon, J. Society Lane. 
Clucas, Misses, Fort street. 
Button, Misses, Marina, — 

(Boarding) 
Dutton, Miss E. Athol street, 

(Day and Boarding.) 
Forrester; W. Shaw's "Brow. 
Garvin, J. H. a.m. Oak Hill, 

(Boarding). 
George, Mrs. Victoria Terrace 

(Day and Boarding.) 
Hodgson, Miss, Athol street, 

(Day and Boarding.) 
I.meson, C. Stanley Terrace. 
Kneale, Mrs. Athol street, 

(National.) 
Steele, A\ex f Crescent, (Day 

and Boarding). 
Stoweil, Misses, Prospect H. 

(Day and Boarding). 
Thomson, Misses, Athol str. 

(Day and Boarding). 
Vernon, W. H. WelfRoad, 

(Wes. Methodist Day). 
TINMEN. 
Green, I. King street. 
Mills, J. Duke street. 
Mills, J. Barrack street. 
Seddons. T. Quay. 

TOYSELLERS. 
Sevan, James, Duke street. 
Green, 11. North Quay. 
See also Milliners. 

TURNERS. 
Qualtrough, T. Lorci street. 
Tear, R. Queen street. 

WATCHMAKERS. 
Clucas, W. North Quay. 
Cottier, W. Duke street. 
Curphey, W. Duke street. 
Muncaster & Son, Factory I. 



FEB 15 1902 



I 



